Searching...
Plant Search
Search for any plant to learn how to grow it.
Potato
Solanum tuberosum
vegetablePotatoes are starchy underground tubers that are one of the world's most important food crops. They grow from seed potatoes and produce leafy above-ground foliage while tubers develop beneath the soil. Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, potatoes are incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
Looking for a specific variety?
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; cooler climates ideal for spring/early summer harvest, warm climates suitable for fall/winter planting
Sign up to see your zone highlighted.
Growth Stages
Seed Potato Sprouting
2-3 weeksSeed potatoes develop sprouts (eyes) and root growth begins underground. Initial shoots emerge from soil.
Ensure soil temperature is 45-50°F minimum. Keep soil consistently moist. Plant certified seed potatoes only to avoid disease.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksDense leafy foliage develops above ground with multiple stems. Plant becomes bushy and vigorous. Stolons (underground stems) begin forming tubers.
Hill up soil around stems every 2-3 weeks to encourage tuber production and prevent greening. Water deeply and consistently. Apply mulch to retain moisture.
Tuber Development
4-8 weeksTubers begin swelling underground at the ends of stolons. Plant continues vigorous leaf growth above.
Continue hilling to keep tubers covered and prevent light exposure (which causes green coloring and toxic solanine). Maintain even soil moisture to prevent cracking.
Tuber Maturation
2-4 weeksTubers reach full size and flesh firms up. Foliage may yellow and begin to die back naturally as plant enters senescence.
Reduce watering frequency. Stop hilling soil. Wait for vines to completely die back before harvesting for long-term storage potential.
Harvest
Harvest period (1-2 weeks)Foliage is completely dead and brown; tubers have set skin. Plants are ready for harvest.
Use a garden fork to gently lift tubers without damaging them. Harvest on a dry day. Cure tubers in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks before storage.
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick beetles and eggs; use neem oil or spinosad; deploy row covers on young plants; rotate crops annually; introduce predatory insects
-
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; reflective mulches
-
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulches; maintain plant vigor
-
Crop rotation; cultivate soil in fall to expose larvae; trapping with carrot or potato pieces; beneficial nematodes; avoid planting in recently sodded areas
-
Plant disease-resistant varieties; avoid overhead watering; remove infected foliage immediately; copper fungicide; ensure good air circulation; destroy infected plants
-
Remove lower leaves as plant grows; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; copper or sulfur fungicide; mulch to prevent soil splash
-
Use resistant varieties; maintain soil pH below 6.0; improve drainage; avoid excessive lime; use certified seed potatoes
Uses
Staple carbohydrate source
CulinaryPotatoes are a dietary staple worldwide, providing essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. They can be prepared by boiling, baking, frying, mashing, or roasting. [source]
Diverse potato varieties and cuisines
CulinaryWaxy varieties are ideal for salads and soups, starchy varieties for baking and mashing, and all-purpose varieties for general cooking. Potatoes are foundational in dishes from French fries to potato salads and curries. [source]
Potato juice and skin health
MedicinalRaw potato juice has traditional uses in folk medicine for digestive issues and skin irritation. The skin contains chlorogenic acid and other antioxidants. [source]
Natural starch and cleaning
HouseholdPotato starch can be extracted and used as a natural starch for laundry, cooking thickener, and in various household cleaning applications. [source]
Garden biodiversity support
WildlifePotato plants attract beneficial insects and pollinators. The flowers also provide nectar, and the plant is part of a diverse crop rotation system supporting soil health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when foliage completely dies back (75-120 days depending on variety). Use a garden fork to gently excavate tubers without puncturing them. Harvest on a dry day and cure in a cool (55-65°F), dark, well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks before storage. Store in cool (35-40°F), humid, dark conditions; avoid refrigeration for best texture. Early potatoes can be harvested when plants flower for tender, thin-skinned tubers.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Potatoes were first domesticated by indigenous peoples in the Andes Mountains of South America between 7,000-10,000 years ago and remained unknown to Europe until the 16th century.
- 🌱 A single potato plant can produce up to 20 tubers from a single seed potato, making them incredibly productive and efficient for food production.
- 🌱 Potatoes were the first vegetable to be grown in space, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1995, demonstrating their potential for long-term space missions.
Want to save this plant and get personalized recommendations?
Sign up to add plants to your list, see your growing zone highlighted, and get planting timelines based on your frost dates.