How much temperature is needed for potato sprouts to grow

Potato germination generally requires a temperature environment of 5-10 degrees Celsius, and the actual germination effect is affected by factors such as the state of the potato seeds, humidity conditions, light intensity, storage time, and variety characteristics. The state of seed potatoes is one of the key factors affecting germination temperature. Healthy and disease-free potatoes can maintain good activity in low temperature environments, while slightly damaged potatoes require a more stable temperature range. Potatoes with intact seed coat are more likely to germinate under low temperature conditions than those with damaged skin. Seed potatoes that experience frostbite or decay during storage require higher temperature. Choosing potatoes of uniform size can help control the overall germination temperature. The humidity conditions and temperature jointly affect the germination process. When the soil moisture is maintained at around 60%, the germination process can be initiated at 5 degrees Celsius. Excessive moisture may cause the seed potatoes to rot. When the relative humidity of the air exceeds 70%, it is necessary to increase the ambient temperature appropriately to avoid the growth of mold. Using a substrate with good breathability for cultivation can reduce the requirement for precise temperature control, and sandy soil is more conducive to low-temperature germination than clay.

The intensity of light has a regulating effect on temperature requirements. Potato germination in dark environments requires a higher basal temperature, while under low light conditions, the temperature requirement can be reduced by 1-2 degrees Celsius. Direct sunlight can cause local temperatures to rise, which may lead to uneven germination. Using a sunshade net to adjust lighting can maintain temperature stability. When using supplementary lights for indoor seedling cultivation, attention should be paid to controlling the heat generated by the lamps.

The length of storage time changes the physiological state of seed potatoes. Newly harvested potatoes require 7-10 degrees Celsius to break their dormancy period, and seed potatoes stored for 3 months can germinate at 5 degrees Celsius. Long term refrigeration of seed potatoes will narrow the temperature range for germination, requiring more precise temperature control. Warm treatment of sweet potatoes at around 10 degrees Celsius for 7 days before spring sowing can improve the low-temperature germination rate. There are differences in temperature adaptability among different varieties. Early maturing varieties are usually more tolerant to low temperatures than late maturing varieties, while red skinned varieties have a lower germination temperature limit of 2-3 degrees Celsius than yellow skinned varieties. High starch varieties require higher accumulated temperatures to germinate, and choosing varieties that are suitable for the local climate can reduce the difficulty of temperature control. Hybrid varieties often have a wider temperature adaptation range than traditional varieties. Maintaining a temperature difference of 3-5 degrees Celsius between day and night can help stimulate bud sprouting, while sudden temperature fluctuations can inhibit sprouting. The use of plastic film covering can increase soil temperature by 2-3 degrees Celsius, and greenhouse seedling cultivation should pay attention to ventilation and cooling. Regularly check the status of seed potatoes during germination and adjust temperature parameters in a timely manner. Temperature control should be combined with appropriate humidity management and ventilation measures to achieve neat and robust sprouts. Lowering the temperature appropriately before harvest can enhance the stress resistance of seedlings and prepare them for transplantation.