Potato — Vegetables

Solanum tuberosum

Full sun, regular watering — frost tender — shelter over winter.

Photograph of Potato — iNaturalist / GBIF

Plant out: Mar–Apr
Harvest: Jul–Sep
In flower: Jun, Jul, Aug

Sun: Full sun
Water: High
Difficulty: Demanding
Hardiness: H2
Season: spring
Height: 50–100 cm
Spacing: 50 cm
Pets: Toxic to pets

Grows well with

Dill — Dill are named as a good neighbour for potatoes. The thinking is that mixed planting lets different crops help each other, partly because their scent puts feeding pests off.French Bean — Dwarf French beans are named as a good neighbour for potatoes. The thinking is that mixed planting lets different crops help each other, partly because their scent puts feeding pests off.French Marigold — Marigolds are often said to keep Colorado potato beetle off potatoes. Trials did not find the effect, so do not rely on it.Garlic — Garlic are named as a good neighbour for potatoes. The thinking is that mixed planting lets different crops help each other, partly because their scent puts feeding pests off.Leek — Leeks are named as a good neighbour for potatoes. The thinking is that mixed planting lets different crops help each other, partly because their scent puts feeding pests off.Nasturtium — Nasturtiums are named as a good neighbour for potatoes. The thinking is that mixed planting lets different crops help each other, partly because their scent puts feeding pests off.Onion — Onions grown in among potatoes brought aphid numbers down in a trial. Scent drifting from the undamaged onions changes the smell of the potato foliage, and aphids avoid it.Spinach — Spinach are named as a good neighbour for potatoes. The thinking is that mixed planting lets different crops help each other, partly because their scent puts feeding pests off.

Growing notes

Grows to 0.5-1 metres. Space about 10-50cm apart. In flower Jun-Aug.

Toxic to pets

The green parts, sprouts and green or raw tubers contain solanine and can cause sickness and stomach upset in people and pets; cooked potatoes are safe. Don't eat green or sprouting potatoes and keep them, and the foliage, away from children and pets. If a person eats any, get medical advice; if a pet does, contact a vet.

→ NHS 111 for a person; your vet or the Animal PoisonLine for an animal