Species

Solanum tuberosumPotato

3 other cultivars

fruit vegetable

Potato

Solanum tuberosum 'Purple Heart'

The Story

Plant Bio

Solanum tuberosum, the potato, is a sprawling herbaceous perennial grown globally as an annual crop for its starchy underground tubers. The upright stems bear compound pinnate leaves and terminal clusters of wheel-shaped flowers that range from white to purple during the summer.

'Purple Heart' is a distinct cultivar featuring dark purple skin and deep purple flesh that retains its coloration when cooked. The tubers develop along underground stolons beneath upright green foliage that occasionally displays dark anthocyanin highlights.

Uses & Benefits:

The dark purple-tinged foliage and purple flowers provide minor visual interest in edible plots.

Produces edible, nutrient-rich tubers with deep purple flesh high in antioxidants.

Flowers provide pollen for generalist bumblebees and other native pollinators.

SpeciesSolanum tuberosumPotato

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

39"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with loose, well-drained, acidic soil.
Cut seed potatoes into pieces containing at least one eye and allow them to dry for 24 hours.
Plant pieces 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart with the eyes facing upward.
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and tuber formation.

Pro Tip

Hill soil around the base of the stems every few weeks as they grow to prevent sunlight from reaching the developing tubers, which triggers the production of toxic green glycoalkaloids.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Hill soil around the base of the stems regularly to protect developing tubers from light.
Maintain consistent soil moisture during tuber formation to prevent misshapen yields.
Use certified disease-free seed potatoes to prevent introducing pathogens.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, which causes tubers to rot.
Do not apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes foliage over tuber growth.
Do not ingest green tubers, sprouts, or any green aerial parts of the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vegetable GardensRaised BedsContainer Gardening

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Potato questions

What zones can Potato grow in?

Potato is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Potato deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Potato, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Potato bloom?

Potato typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Potato need full sun?

Potato does best in full sun (6+ hours).