Plant guide

Potato.

Solanum tuberosum

Pronounced so-LAY-num too-ber-OH-sum

Also known as Irish Potato, Potato

Potatoes are a staple crop grown for their edible tubers that develop underground. They thrive in cool weather and prefer loose, well draining soil to allow the tubers to expand. You will love harvesting these fresh from your own garden.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial grown as an annual
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 feet tall
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent rot. Hill soil around the base of the stems as they grow to protect developing tubers from sunlight. Watch for yellowing leaves or wilting, which can signal pests or watering issues.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, especially when tubers are forming.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the active growing phase.
Pruning: Cut back the foliage once it begins to yellow and die down naturally before harvest.
Repotting: Potatoes are typically grown in the ground or large containers and are harvested annually rather than repotted.
Soil: Loamy, well draining soil
Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.0

Safety

Pets: The foliage and green tubers are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Compound leaves with oval leaflets
Small white, pink, or purple flowers
Starchy edible tubers underground
Hollow or solid green stems

Science

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Order: Solanales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your potato looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.