Solanum tuberosum

Solanum tuberosum, more commonly known as the potato plant, is a perennial vegetable native to South America.  Though potato plants are perennial by nature, they are grown as annuals for harvesting.  Cultivated for their starchy tubers, potato plants are the fourth most important food crop in the world.  Heart-shaped, simple green leaves grow in a bushy fashion, with the plants growing to a height of about 2 ft / 0.7 m.  White, pink, red, blue, or purple flowers with yellow conical stamens generally bloom in the summer or fall, but flowering is greatly affected by the climate and variety of the potato plant.  All parts of the potato plant except for the tubers are toxic, including the small berries.  If a potato is green, it likely contains high levels of the same toxins that the rest of the plant carries, and should be considered unsafe to eat.  

Provide potato plants with a location that receives bright sunshine throughout the day, and ensure that the tubers themselves are covered completely by soil.  Sun exposure on the tubers can cause them to turn green and contain toxins.  Plant in acidic, rich, well-draining soil as it should promote healthy growth and prevent rough spots from forming on the tubers.  Potato plants need to be watered regularly, typically once per week, as they are sensitive to drought.  In colder climates, it is necessary to wait for soil temperatures to rise to at least 40°F / 4.4°C before planting.  As the soil reaches 80°F / 27°C, the tubers will stop growing.  To prevent tubers from prematurely ceasing to grow, cover the stem of the plant with extra soil as it can help reduce the temperatures around the forming tubers.  Consider planting in the late summer or winter in warmer climates to further increase the development of the tubers before harvest.  When planted in rich soil, especially when enriched with compost, there is no need to fertilize these plants.  Otherwise, spreading a balanced organic fertilizer, diluted liquid fertilizer, or a natural option like fish emulsion can provide your potato plants with the nutrients they need.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Solanum Tuberosum

Solanum tuberosum

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