What's your question? Ask

Potato Plants

Q.I bought baking potatoes about a month ago and stored then in my dark cupboard. I took them out and see tiny little worms sticking

Zone 30062 | vpreyss added on October 22, 2019 | Answered

out of them wiggling. I got rid of them. What is the cause of this? Usually a potato grows little root stems when a month old and I cut them off and cook them. I have NEVER seen tiny worms growing from potatoes purchased at Kroger 4 weeks ago. Please advise what this is and if I need to disinfect my cupboard. I’m disgusted with this worm thing which has never happened previously and I’m a Sr. citizen.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
BushDoctor
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on October 23, 2019

I'm sorry, but your photo did not come through. It sounds like maggots. It is really hard to say without seeing it.

The best way to ensure that it doesn't happen will be the check the potatoes thoroughly before purchasing. The maggots were, likely, already there before you brought the potatoes home.

Your common household disinfectant will suffice.

Here is an article for a refresher on potato storage that might offer some more useful information when it comes to potato storage: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/storing-garden-potatoes.htm

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Potato Plants
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK