Potato - Solanum tuberosum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Potato

Also known as: Tater, Spud

The potato is native to North America and in the United States. Potato products are the second most consumed food. This starchy tuber is a staple in diets around the world and is considered the fourth most important worldwide crop.

Scientific classification

Species

Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 45 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3 cm to 4 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Brown, Red, Green, Gold

Fruit Color

White, Purple, Pink

Flower Color

Green, White, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Potato

Distribution of Potato

Distribution Map

The potato is native to Central and South America, but it's been introduced to all other continents and is widely cultivated as a food crop in more than a hundred countries around the world.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Gravelly, Sand and clay loam soils, Roadsides, Woodland grasslands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Potato is a starchy tuber commonly grown in edible gardens and containers. They are grown and kept for consumption in a range of dishes. The potato can be grown alongside several plants — such as horseradish, marigolds, and nasturtiums — that repel pests, like Colorado potato beetles. It also does well when planted near edible options like cilantro, legumes, cabbage, corn, and chives.

Symbolism

benevolence

Interesting Facts

It is said that no one dared to eat potato in ancient times. Until a war broke out in the 17th century, when food was scarce, potato became the main military food and became popular in various countries.

Name Story

Potato: I believe everyone knows what this plant is called, but few people know why it is called potato. In many contexts, the word potato refers to the edible starchy tuber portion of the plant, but it can also refer to the plant itself, which is native to America.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Potato, including the following common varieties :

Potato 'British Queen'Potato 'Belle de Fontenay'Potato 'Blue Danube'Potato 'Red Duke of York'Potato 'Kestrel'Potato 'King Edward'Potato 'Desiree'Potato 'Estima'Potato 'Lady Christl'Potato 'Nicola'Solanum tuberosum 'Arran Pilot’Potato 'Foremost'Potato 'Pink Fir Apple'Potato 'Maris Piper'Potato 'Sharpe's Express'

Toxicity

When green, potato contains the toxin solanine, found in its leaves, stems, and green tubers, causing severe symptoms in humans like vomiting and dizziness. Cats and dogs ingesting potato may show symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Immediate veterinary care is essential for pets suspected of ingestion.

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Quickly Identify Potato

Pinnately compound dark green leaves with 6-8 leaflets, hairy, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.

Colorful flowers (white, pink, purple, blue) with central yellow stamens, 2.5-3 cm (1-1.2 inches) wide.

Toxic yellowish-green berries, 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter, sometimes striped, containing numerous seeds.

Erect, branching stems, smooth to sparsely hairy, reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height.

Underground tubers and horizontal stolons crucial for plant propagation and identification.

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Care Guide for Potato

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Potato, native to the Andean region, prefers moderate watering with well-drained conditions. It thrives with weekly irrigation, essential for tuber development during the growing season to achieve optimal yield and size, demonstrating resilience against short dry spells.

Pruning: Pruning potato is vital for optimal health and yield. Best done from early to late spring, it involves removing dead stems and excessive foliage to improve air circulation. Timely removal of flower buds enhances tuber development, promoting overall productivity according to reputable sources.

Propagation: Potato propagates mainly via tubers in spring. Success is indicated by new shoot growth, and maintaining adequate soil moisture and temperature is vital for effective propagation.

Repotting: Repot potato every 2-3 years in early spring, using a spacious container for tuber growth. Maintain consistent moisture and protect from extreme temperatures post-repotting to ensure healthy recovery. Extra care during this period will benefit potato significantly.

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Images of Potato

Distribution of Potato

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Potato

Care Guide for Potato

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