Under What Conditions Do Potatoes Sprout The Fastest

Research Questions:

A potato is a starchy, tuberous vegetable often found in an egg-like, oval, or eclipse shape. They come in a variety of colors (some even blue) and sizes. Russet, Red, and Yukon Gold are just a few examples. They are high in vitamins and minerals--and they have an amazing ability to sprout and spud in many different circumstances. But what circumstances will trigger the most growth? Let's find out.

Materials:

• A five pound bag of potatoes, any variety
• A refrigerator
• Direct sunlight
• A dark place, such as a closet
• A bathroom
• An ordinary room with ordinary light and temperature
• Patience

Experimental Procedure:

1. Take the potatoes out of the bag.
2. Set two potatoes in each of the following places: bathroom (represents a moist condition); a room with direct sunlight (near a window); inside the refrigerator (cold condition); a closet (dark, dry condition); an ordinary room with ordinary lights and room temp (the control)
3. Observe each of the potatoes every day, take pictures, and record their development on a chart.
4. Remember, it may take a while for potatoes to sprout so you should be patient!
5. Evaluate the conditions in which potatoes sprout the fastest.

Suggested Chart

Terms/Concepts: starch; potato sprouts; potato toxicity

References:

• The Garden Helper: Potatoes
• Wikipedia's Potato page
• The History and Social Influence of the Potato by Redcliffe N. Salaman