Solanum tuberosum

Potato

Perennial herb with edible tubers below the soil surface. Erect and prostrate forms with pinnate leaves. Small flowers ranging from white to purple. Spherical black fruit.

Uses

Tubers are harvested when the leaves turn yellow. Can be stored in cool dark place. Cooked by boiling, baking or frying.

Culture

Usually grown in the cool time of the year, but is only moderately frost tolerant. High temperatures will reduce yield. Prefers a well drained, fertile soil rich in phosphorous and a pH between 5.0-6.0 Can suffer from nitrogen deficiency in cold or wet weather. Aphis, moulds and mildew can also be a problem. Sprouting tubers are planted 6-8cm (3 inches) deep. The tubers must be kept covered, otherwise they will turn green and become poisonous. http://www.css.orst.edu/potatoes/ http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/sustainable/peet/profiles/c15potat.html

Propagation

No information available at this time...

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