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Potato

Solanum tuberosum

VegetablesToxic

Grown from seed tubers planted in spring and earthed up as stems grow. Early varieties are ready in 10-12 weeks.

Overview

SunFull Sun
WaterMediumCalculate watering amount
Height40–60 cm
Spread50 cm
Spacing30 cm
Row Spacing75 cm
Germination14–28 days
To Harvest70–120 days

Companion Planting

Toxicity

SeverityModerately toxic
Toxic toHumans, Dogs, Cats

Green parts, sprouts, and raw tubers contain solanine and chaconine glycoalkaloids; cooked mature tubers are safe for humans and pets, but green or sprouted potatoes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun (6-8 hours daily) in a spot with good airflow; rotate beds every 4-5 years.
SoilLight, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-7.0) enriched with compost.
Planting Depth15 cm
WateringProvide 2.5-5 cm of water per week with even moisture; avoid overhead watering and stop watering when foliage yellows.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingHeavy feeder — apply balanced all-purpose fertilizer at planting and side-dress with nitrogen once plants are established.

Care Tip: Hill soil around stems as plants grow to prevent tuber greening; remove any green or sprouted tubers before consumption.

Common Pests

Colorado Potato Beetle

Symptoms: Yellow-striped adults and orange larvae skeletonize leaves, causing severe defoliation.

Treatment: Hand-pick adults and larvae; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (Bt) or neem oil for heavy infestations.

Prevention: Rotate crops annually, use row covers early in the season, and remove plant debris after harvest.

Wireworm

Symptoms: Small round holes bored into tubers, reducing quality and inviting secondary rot.

Treatment: No effective chemical cure for home gardens; remove and destroy damaged tubers promptly.

Prevention: Rotate crops away from grassy areas, avoid planting in newly broken sod, and use bait traps to monitor populations.

Aphids

Symptoms: Curled, yellowing leaves with sticky honeydew; aphids also transmit viral diseases like potato leaf roll virus.

Treatment: Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong water jet to dislodge colonies.

Prevention: Encourage natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings), use reflective mulch, and monitor plants regularly.

Common Diseases

Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)

Symptoms: Water-soaked dark lesions on leaves with white mold at margins; can defoliate plants within two weeks and rot tubers.

Treatment: Remove and destroy infected plants immediately; apply copper-based fungicide preventively in humid conditions.

Prevention: Use certified disease-free seed potatoes, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and choose blight-resistant varieties.

Early Blight (Alternaria solani)

Symptoms: Dark brown concentric-ring spots (target-shaped) on lower leaves, progressing upward and causing premature defoliation.

Treatment: Apply fungicide (chlorothalonil or copper-based) at first sign of symptoms; remove affected foliage.

Prevention: Practice 3-4 year crop rotation, mulch to prevent soil splash, and water at soil level to keep foliage dry.

Blackleg (Pectobacterium spp.)

Symptoms: Blackened, slimy stem bases at soil level; upper leaves curl and yellow; tubers develop soft, foul-smelling rot.

Treatment: No chemical cure — remove and destroy infected plants and surrounding soil immediately.

Prevention: Plant only certified seed potatoes, avoid waterlogged soil, and sanitize tools between plants.