They will use the moisture in the potatoes. Do not put them in water, they will rot! The sprouts don't have to be big. A little nub, kinda like a wart is all that you need.

I don't know what zone you are in, so I don't know when to plant in your area. Google your local extension service for plating times in your area. Feb. seems to be good accrding to the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Seed Library

I can plant anytime. I was worried because I read you have to wait for months to let the starch turn to sugar or the other way around. When I planted some of mine I had harvested they rotted because I did not wait long enough. But, the more I wait the more limp and wrinkled they will become as if they are getting sicker. Right now, they are still firm. We don't tend to freeze here at all, but if it happens, it's not big lose of just a few potatoes.

plant them we use taters to grow from always never used seed must suss' it out some time.

len

Here is a link that might be useful: lens instant potato patch

go ahead and plant them, if you want to. When I plant potatoes early (I am in zone 6a) I try to cut the potato into quarters with each quarter having at least one bud. Let them dry for a day if you can two is better, but one day is enough. plant them about 3 inches deep, and cover them with 3 to 6 inches of mulch (straw, dried leaves, grass clippings,etc) and then wait. After 10 to 14 days you should see small plants trying to grow through the mulch.