Potato
Solanum tuberosum
Also known as
Patata, Papa, Pomme De Terre, Kartoffel, Aardappel, Irish Potato, White potato
Solanum tuberosum flower by Reaperman (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
H2
RHS hardiness
1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
60cm | Max | 50cm |
60cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Potato
Potato Overview
Solanum tuberosum is a perennial plant in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Commonly known as Potato after its starchy, underground storage organs which are consumed as vegetables worldwide. Potatoes are tuberous plants with edible underground storage organs. They are oval to round or irregularly shaped with smooth skin. The tubers are pale yellow, creamy whites, purples or pinks and suitable for cooking or crisping. When potatoes are exposed to sunlight the skin of the tuber turns green and produces a toxic substance, solanine. Potatoes are a staple food in many countries and the fourth largest crop grown following after maize, rice and wheat.
Common problems with Potato
Potato Companion Plants
Sweetcorn, eggplant, beans, peas, strawberries, peppers
How to harvest Potato
Hertha potatoes are ready to harvest in about 90-110 days from emergence to natural foliage die-back.
How to propagate Potato
Tubers
Plant seed tubers in early spring to autumn, 7-10 cm apart and 15-20 cm apart. Add soil as the plants grow.
Seed
You can propagate by seeds in the spring.
Cuttings
Semi-ripe cuttings in the summer.
Special features of Potato
Crop rotation
Hertha potatoes are heavy feeders and need a lot of nutrients. Rotate crops yearly.
Attractive flowers
Attracts useful insects
Other uses of Potato
Culinary
Edible
Hertha potato tubers are edible and can be boiled, baked, chipped and French-fried.