True Potato Seeds (TPS) are the result of natural cross-pollination between flowering potato plants. Each seed offers the potential to create an entirely new variety, allowing for the selection of characteristics such as flavor, color, shape, storage capacity, and disease resistance. Plants grown from TPS often produce abundant blooms, with petal colors ranging from white and pink to mauve and purple. At the end of the first season, you will harvest tubers of various sizes—keep the largest and healthiest ones to replant in the second year. In their second year, these tubers will produce mature plants, allowing you to evaluate and keep your favorite varieties.

Where to Grow True Potato Seeds?
Potatoes grown from TPS are suitable for zones 3 to 9. They thrive in full sun, in well-drained soil, with regular watering. Ideal for garden beds, potato towers, or deep containers.

History and Traditional Uses
Potatoes were first domesticated in the Andes, where farmers have long used true seeds to adapt and develop local varieties. TPS allows home gardeners and amateur seed breeders to do the same, by selecting and stabilizing varieties adapted to their local conditions. This method helps preserve genetic diversity and strengthens the resilience of food systems.

Information for Canadian Zones
Zones 8-9: Start seeds indoors in early spring; transplant after the last frost.
Zones 5-7: Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost; transplant when the soil warms up.
Zones 3-4: Start indoors; grow in pots or containers the first year to protect from cold soil.

How to Grow and Harvest True Potato Seeds (TPS)

Planting: Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in seed trays; transplant to the garden or containers after all risk of frost has passed.
Watering: Keep the soil moist without overwatering; regular watering promotes tuber development.
Harvesting: In the first year, harvest tubers at the end of the season; select the largest and healthiest ones to store.
Maintenance: Hill up soil around growing plants to encourage tuber formation and prevent them from turning green.

Tips for Harvesting Seeds for Future Supply

Allow to flower and fruit: Let plants flower and produce fruit for seed harvesting.
Fruit Harvest: Pick ripe fruits (small green berries resembling cherry tomatoes) at the end of the season.
Extraction and Cleaning: Extract seeds, ferment for 2 to 3 days, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry place; they can remain viable for up to 10 years.

Certified Organic by
Islands Organic Producers Association (Certificate #1962)