Uploaded June 2017 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
In my previous potato flower video I mentioned that I had no interest in going through an elaborate process to hand pollinate my potatoes and I was content to let the bees take care of it. For the most part that is true, but I have spent enough time observing these potato plants this year that I decided to try my hand at few pollinations if I could get a simple protocol down. This video shows the results, a no tools, no fuss method of crossing potatoes.
This would not be appropriate for a professional breeding project, but for those who just wish to increase their homegrown supply of true potato seed, it's a fantastic option, and a lot of fun and requires no tools other than your hands.
For more information on potato breeding I highly recommend Rebsie Fairholm's "the Lost Art of Potato Breeding".
skylightpress.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/the-lost-art-of-potato-breeding-by-rebsie-fairholm
In my previous potato flower video I mentioned that I had no interest in going through an elaborate process to hand pollinate my potatoes and I was content to let the bees take care of it. For the most part that is true, but I have spent enough time observing these potato plants this year that I decided to try my hand at few pollinations if I could get a simple protocol down. This video shows the results, a no tools, no fuss method of crossing potatoes.
This would not be appropriate for a professional breeding project, but for those who just wish to increase their homegrown supply of true potato seed, it's a fantastic option, and a lot of fun and requires no tools other than your hands.
For more information on potato breeding I highly recommend Rebsie Fairholm's "the Lost Art of Potato Breeding".
skylightpress.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/the-lost-art-of-potato-breeding-by-rebsie-fairholm
