About
A maincrop potato with good drought tolerance producing white-skinned, light yellow-fleshed tubers that store well over winter.
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, Sand, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
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 an open, frost-free site in deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Improve soil with organic matter such as well-rooted manure in the autumn. Earth-up plants as they grow to protect from frost and prevent developing tubers from being exposed to light. Water well in dry periods. See Grow-Your-Own Potatoes for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationGrow from tubers known as 'seed potatoes' sprouted or 'chitted' prior to planting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, cutworms, wireworms, leaf and bud eelworm and potato cyst eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), potato blight, potato scab, potato tuber rots, potato blackleg and stem canker