potato surprise !

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Gazania, Jul 20, 2012.

  1. Gazania

    Gazania Gardener

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    Hi, despite the weather my potatoes have done really well and taste lovely. I got a surprise today when I realised some of the flowers had turned into little potatoes/seeds ! This is probably normal but it is the first time I have noticed them. Are these actually seed potatoes now ? Can they be kept and used ?
    gazania
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    It's been a great year for potatoes if you are lucky and avoided the blight.

    The seeds coming from potato flowers are not worth keeping, they will produce a very variable and most likely poor crop. It's best to grow from new 'seed' potatoes each year bought from a Garden Centre/online/etc.

    Confusingly 'seed' potatoes sold in GCs are basically tubers. The seed from potato flowers are true seed, but of course will take a lot longer to germinate & grow.
     
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    • Gazania

      Gazania Gardener

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      Thanks John. I'll buy again next year.
      gazania
       
    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      Also, bear in mind that the fruit of the potato plant (the things I think you're referring to) is very poisonous. Grown ups should be fine as we know not to eat stuff without knowing what it is, but if there are kids around, just make sure they know not to touch them.
       
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      • Phil A

        Phil A Guest

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        Likewise the potatoes grown from seed may have too much Solanine in them. You don't want to be finding out the hard way.

        Bottom fallen out of your world? Feel the world fall out of your bottom with Solanine.

        [​IMG]
         
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