Potatoes are a tomato relative and are often mistaken for them, as their foliage is somewhat similar in appearance. They are an agricultural staple that ranks with wheat and rice as among the most important in the world. Their South American origin is often obscured by their fame as a mainstay crop in Ireland. Potato tubers come in many colors; including yellow, brown, pink, red, and purple.
Latin Name
Solanum tuberosum
Family
Solanaceae
Type of Plant
Annuals
Vegetables
Seasons
Spring
Fall
Specifications
Max Height: 2'
Max Spread: 1.5'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Tolerances
Colors
Native Range
South America
History
George Washington planted potatoes at many of his farms.
Other Details
Grown by Washington
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
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Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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