Also known as Aéstomemésêhestôtse · A̱da̱ngka̱li A̱shong · Cartofi
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a starchy tuberous crop from the nightshade family, vital for global food security and a versatile culinary ingredient.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and tuber production.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during tuber development. Avoid saturation.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
75% intensity
Ideal growth occurs between 15-20°C. Frost will damage foliage. Tubers develop best in cooler soil temperatures.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate to High Feeders
75% intensity
Apply balanced fertilizer at planting and a lower nitrogen, higher potassium/phosphorus blend during tuber formation.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Leaves and green parts are toxic due to solanine.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during tuber formation. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to rot.
Reduce watering as the foliage begins to yellow and die back, signaling maturity for harvest.
Pruning is generally not required for potatoes. Remove any diseased or heavily damaged foliage promptly to prevent spread.
Some gardeners may 'hill' the plants by mounding soil around the stems to support growth and protect developing tubers from light, but this is not pruning.
Potatoes are typically propagated vegetatively using 'seed potatoes,' which are small, whole tubers or pieces of larger tubers with at least one 'eye' (bud). Plant these pieces about 10 cm deep in well-draining soil after the last frost.
Repotting is not applicable to Solanum tuberosum as it is typically grown in the ground or in large containers/grow bags for a single growing season and then harvested.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Where Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is found
Density
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10 known issues from plant disease data
Late blight in Potato causes dark water-soaked leaf patches, fast stem collapse, and brown tuber rot that spreads quickly in wet weather.
Early blight in Potato causes brown leaf spots with target-like rings, yellowing, early leaf drop, and weaker plants with reduced tubers.
Potato virus Y in Potato causes leaf mottling, crinkling, and stunting, leaving plants weak and tubers fewer and often undersized.
Common scab on Potato causes rough, corky, cracked spots on tubers, spoiling skin quality and leaving potatoes misshapen and blemished.
Black scurf on Potato causes hard black crusts on tubers and poor sprout growth, leading to uneven stands and weaker early plant growth.
Blackleg in Potato causes blackened stem bases, leaf yellowing, wilting, and soft decay, often leaving plants collapsed and stunted.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum tuberosum |
Similar in genus Solanum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
