Seed potatoes size - Ask Extension
I live in the High Desert outside Christmas Valley. I have grown potatoes (Yukon Gold, Red, and Russets) for several years with good results. This yea...
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Seed potatoes size #937030
Asked June 27, 2026, 6:44 PM EDT
I live in the High Desert outside Christmas Valley. I have grown potatoes (Yukon Gold, Red, and Russets) for several years with good results. This year, as an experiment hoping for improved genetics, I used some very large Russet whole potatoes (16 to 25 oz) as seeds. They have broken ground but are way behind in their "above ground" growth compared to the rest of the plants. Where I had planted much smaller (6 to 8oz) seed potatoes. So my question is, does using very large potatoes as seeds have a downside? All my spuds overwintered nicely in my root cellar.
Lake County Oregon
Expert Response
HI, and thanks for your question. Yes, there are impacts on yield related to size of seed potatoes.
Check out this article for a helpful explanation (click on the link):
https://www.growerexperts.com/the-surprising-impact-of-seed-potato-size-on-your-potato-yield/
In my experience, commercial growers don't plant an entire seed potato as one when it's large. Typically they are cut into pieces and cured for a couple days to callus- then each piece should have at least one eye.
This article explains that the type of potato, and other factors, may impact your decision to cut or use whole potatoes for seed: https://simplifygardening.com/cutting-seed-potatoes/
I hope you find this helpful, Nicole
Check out this article for a helpful explanation (click on the link):
https://www.growerexperts.com/the-surprising-impact-of-seed-potato-size-on-your-potato-yield/
In my experience, commercial growers don't plant an entire seed potato as one when it's large. Typically they are cut into pieces and cured for a couple days to callus- then each piece should have at least one eye.
This article explains that the type of potato, and other factors, may impact your decision to cut or use whole potatoes for seed: https://simplifygardening.com/cutting-seed-potatoes/
I hope you find this helpful, Nicole
