[Swing Swang]

Morning folks,

Some of my seed potatoes are far too large so I'm tempted to cut them in half and plant up a larger area.

My gardening guru father says don't do it because there is a chance that they'll rot, whereas his neighbour often cuts his into four (sout of Portugal)!

Can I risk it in the UK? Should I dust the cut surface with something chemical to stop rot setting in? If so, then what?

Opinions (preferably backed by experience) sought.

Regards,

SS

[Salmo]

If you cut them it is important to do it a day or two before you plant to allow the cut surface to dry before you plant.

[digalotty]

i would be tempted to have a go , if only to see the results but as salmo says give the cut time to dryout and theres less chance of infection

[Brassica Blaz]

i cut a big one in half last year and planted it straight in the soil.it grew fine.but i would go for the drying out first this time for reasons given.

[Sweet Pea 2]

aren't you supposed to rub them with some sort of power.  Can't remember that it is.  Wouldn't mind knowing as some of mine are rather big so I wouldn't mind cutting them.

[Kristen]

aren't you supposed to rub them with some sort of power.  Can't remember that it is.  Wouldn't mind knowing as some of mine are rather big so I wouldn't mind cutting them.

"Flowers of Sulphur" perhaps?

[Trillium]

Actually, Salmo got it right. Cut the potato so that every part has one, or preferably 2 eyes, and let them dry for a day before planting. The cut surface has hardened enough to not promote rotting. My mother doesn't even wait a day, but cuts as she plants and she's never lost any, but she also has a terrific green thumb. Never rub lime into the potato as potatoes hate lime.

[Sweet Pea 2]

thanks I will do that. 

[Swing Swang]

thanks for the replies to this one - SS

[Mark-S]

my only comment would be to ensure you use a hot knife to prevent virus disease being spread from one tuber to another.

[Fisherman]

My grandfather, a farmer of many years, always cut his seed potatoes a few days or even a week before planting. Crops were really good so I wouldn't worry too much.

Last year I cut up some supermarket potatoes and burried them to check if my new vegetable plot was infected with wire worms. No wire worms but the potatoes grew well!!