About
A bushy perennial grown as an annual vegetable for its edible tubers. A maincrop potato. Large, oval-shaped tubers have red skin and pale yellow flesh.
About the genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, except potato crop. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten, except potato crop - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil for high quality and heavy yields. Improve soil by adding organic matter in autumn. Draw earth up around the stems as they emerge, to exclude light and prevent the potatoes from becoming green. Water well in dry periods. Potatoes can also be grown in large containers or potato grow bags. See potato cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationGrow from certified seed potatoes
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to cutworms, slugs, wireworms, leaf and bud eelworm, Potato cyst nematodes
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Potato scab and Potato blight and may be susceptible to Potato rot, Potato blackleg and stem canker