Plant Library

Description:

Well loved and high yielding, perfect for large containers, raised beds and sunny gardens; sturdy plants produce tubers that range from purple to white, yellow or red; delicious and versatile, great for roasting, mashing, frying and everything in between

Edible Qualities

Potato is an annual vegetable plant that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces tan round potatoes (which are botanically known as 'tubers') with brick red overtones which are harvested from late summer to mid fall. The tubers will often fade to violet over time. The potatoes have a delicious taste and a firm texture.

The potatoes are most often used in the following ways:

• Cooking
• Baking

Planting & Growing

Potato will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. This annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.

This plant is typically grown in a designated edibles garden. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. It can be propagated by cuttings.

Potato is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.