Summary

The desirability of pre-sprouting and the methods to be used will depend on the location and the purpose for which the crop is intended. In the Netherlands, growers pre-sprout their tubers for 2 to 3 weeks and then harden them off for at least 5 to 6 weeks. That way they ensure that their seed potatoes are pre-sprouted and ready for the cultivation of seed potatoes at the required time. Hence they start the pre-sprouting 7 to 9 weeks before
                                       the time of planting.

Well pre-sprouted and hardened off seed potatoes will remain in good condition for a greater length of time. This will allow the grower greater flexibility in waiting for the best time to plant the seed potatoes. Well pre-sprouted seed potatoes will show rapid initial growth after planting and will produce a closed canopy at an early stage. This is an important precondition for an optimum yield.

In general, pre-sprouting is advisable if: the growing season is fairly short; the soil is rather heavy; the planting conditions are not very favourable; the seed potatoes are fairly weak/old; the varieties mature fairly late, but nevertheless have to be harvested early.