Plant certified seed potatoes and hill them up as they grow for a rewarding underground harvest. Easy in beds, bags or pots — and homegrown new potatoes are a revelation.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 60 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Potato
Solanum tuberosum is an fast-growing edible plant in the Solanaceae family. It reaches around 60 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Potato
Potato suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Potato does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Potato is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Potato in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Potato in the garden
Potato earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Potato with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Potato
Plant Sale lists Potato as tube stock and seedlings. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.