Gardeners go for gardening because of their passion, and in the hope to get some learning, life lessons, and something solid from this hobby. If you want some very common and very nutritional food in the house, then you need to learn how to grow Fingerling Potatoes indoors.
These are commonly grown outside, but more and more fellows are looking to grow these potatoes indoors. We shall be looking at the procedures to grow them indoors.
Fingerling Potatoes
First of all, potatoes are one of the most commonly grown plants in the world. These have different varieties and grow differently according to weather conditions all over the world. Every person in the world, whether rich or poor, uses potatoes in any shape or form to get essential nutrients from them.
This product is widely used in cooking, baking, and many other dishes. These potatoes are native to South America. These potatoes were brought to Europe from South America. Interestingly, afterward, the Europeans took these potatoes to North America.
Why are fingerling potatoes called fingerling?
These potatoes are shaped like fingers, that’s why they are known as fingerling potatoes. These look like swollen fingers. Some of its types have chubby shapes. No matter whichever shape they have, these are nutrient-rich and tasty to eat.
Why Grow Fingerling Potatoes?
As mentioned earlier potatoes have a lot of benefits. You will be able to get fresh potatoes from inside of your home. These are not only tasty but also very nutrient-rich and can be used in many forms.
Are fingerling potatoes easy to grow?
The fingerling potatoes need mild care after the seeds have been sown. You just need to make sure that you provide them with enough light and the moisture which they need along with the required nutrients during the growing season. Once established you will be good to go till the harvesting starts.
Moreover, planting fingerling potatoes would not only supply the food for the kitchen but also produces a sense of value addition in the gardeners. Many gardeners have said that the process of harvesting the fingerling potatoes has made them feel better. It was like they were digging the treasure during the process of harvesting.
Varieties of Fingerling Potatoes
There are different types of fingerling potatoes based on their color. These can be found in red, yellow, and even in purple color. Scientists have explored that color tells more than their looks. Bright-colored fingerling potatoes are more nutritious than their dark counterparts.
Yellow fingerling potatoes produce pro-vitamin A, and the others like red and purple produce anthocyanins which may offer the services of being anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antiviral. So, these can be categorized based on the color of the fruit of fingerling potatoes.
These varieties are also mainly based on the timing of the planting of the fingerling potatoes. Some potatoes are grown at the end of winter and harvested in spring. Some are grown at the start of spring and are harvested in the mid of summer.
There is one other type of fingerling potato which is grown at the end of spring and harvested in winter. As you are going to plant the potatoes indoors, you can start whenever you want until the light and nutrient requirements are fulfilled.
No matter which of the varieties you are going to choose based on the timing of plantation or the color of the final product, you will be able to get the best results. Because you are going to grow these potatoes indoors, it will be easy to take care of them. Also, indoor potatoes are less exposed to pests and diseases.
How to Grow Fingerling Potatoes Indoor
It is commonly perceived that potatoes can be grown outside only. You will be surprised to know that now potatoes can be grown indoors. Indoor-grown potatoes not only perform well but also are quite good in many aspects of growth.
Selection of Fingerling Potatoes Seeds
Usually, there are two types of potatoes found in the market. One is used for consumption purposes and the other is used for propagation and growth purposes. You need to get the second one, which is known as potato seeds. Try to get the certified seed, it has more success ratio and has greater yields.
You can select any kind, but make sure the timing is right. Otherwise, you would have to create the ideal atmosphere for the fingerling potatoes by yourself. If you are selecting seeds by yourself, then you should prefer the smaller ones.
Sprouting the Fingerling Potatoes Seeds
Sprouting is the easiest way to get the right seeds in the right place. This practice is followed in many areas of the world. The seed will take only two to three weeks to sprout. Sprouting will give you the idea of which potato is good to plant and which to leave.
Selection of Soil and Container
How do you grow fingerling potatoes in a bucket?
The selection of the container is important in planting the fingerling potatoes. Because the potatoes grow inside the ground, they need soil that is deep enough for them to grow. You can use any box, a deep and wide container, or an empty bag of fertilizers by cutting it in half and filling the soil in it.
How many fingerling potatoes are in a grow bag?
The minimum requirement of the container is about 5-gallon capacity, you can use any basket, etc. But you can also grow two to four fingerling potato plants in a 15-gallon container. If you are using grow bags, keep these calculations in mind.
How do you grow fingerling potatoes in a 5-gallon bucket?
Select the container which doesn’t go for rusting, and the pot or container should also be well-drained to tackle the excess water. Also, rusting might cause problems like nutrition imbalance or may cause pots or containers to lose their soil.
The soil of the fingerling potatoes should be nutrients rich. Because potatoes are full of nutrients, they need nutrition in advance. So, get the soil well mixed with the organic composted matter. You can add other chemical fertilizers like mixtures of ammonia or phosphorus to fulfill the requirements. The Ph of your soil should be 5.0 to 6.0.
Get the soil ready in the pot or container. Check for weeds and any other complexities. Try to use the soil which has not been previously used for around the last three months.
Planting
How deep do I plant fingerling potatoes?
Plant the fingerling potatoes about 8 inches deep in the soil. You can plant the potatoes in two ways. One like you can sow the potatoes and then cover them with soil. And just then provide water and nutrients to them. The other way is to add little soil after sowing. Keep adding the soil along with nutrients over time so that the required soil is there during the growth of plants.
Add a little moisture to the soil. You need to place the container of the fingerling potato plants in a place where light is abundant, they need almost 5 hours of light a day. So, it is better to put it in right place or make sure the light requirement is met through sunlight or in the other case through artificial light.
Now you can sow the sprouts in the soil. You can cut the bigger fingerling potatoes in a way that all sprouts have two buds on them. Place the buds’ sprouts facing upside to the soil. Keep the distance of 6 to 9 inches between each plant of potatoes. More closer sowing will result in small (chubby ) potatoes.
Taking Care
These plants don’t need much care once they are established. Most of the time it gives an indication by themselves that they need care. Otherwise, you are good to go.
Watering and Fertilizers
Keep the watering consistent once or twice a week, according to the weather in your area. Avoid excess watering that can cause potatoes to rot. Keep adding fertilizers in the shape of organic or chemical forms, because potatoes need a lot of nutrients to grow steadily.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids are the common pests for potatoes. You can get rid of them by adding soapy water or you can use pesticides. Also, keep watching the plants. Their leaves’ color and growth will communicate a problem if any. You can consult any horticulturist if there is any problem according to the weather of the area.
Harvesting
How do I know when my fingerling potatoes are ready to harvest?
How long does it take for fingerling potatoes to grow?
After around 3 months, fingerling potatoes stop growing and they are ready to be harvested. You will notice that they begin to die and there are cracks in the soil. Now you can harvest them. You need to dig the soil carefully so that no potato is hurt. The best way is to turn the container upside down, spill all the soil outside, and collect your potatoes.
How do you cure fingerling potatoes?
After getting the soil off the potatoes, you can dry the potatoes in shade for a few hours. Then you can store the potatoes for further use. Make sure to store the potatoes in a cool and dry place. This storage will last for a longer period of time.
You will not only get an interesting activity by planting fingerling potatoes indoors, but you will also be able to get pure and organically grown potatoes for your kitchen.
Also, Read
- Planting Elephant Ear Bulbs In Pots
- How to Plant Nasturtiums In A Container
- How to Plant Bluebonnets In A Pot
- How To Plant Foxglove Seeds In Pots And Care
- How To Plant Heuchera In Containers
- How to Plant Sprouted Potatoes in Containers
How to Plant Mr. Stripey Tomatoes
References
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/growing-fingerling-potatoes.htm
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-fingerling-potatoes-43697.html
