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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 Annuals
Vegetables Vegetables

Seasons

Spring Spring
Fall Fall

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 2'
Max spread Max Spread: 1.5'

Uses

  • Vegetable
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Rabbit

  • Colors


    Native Range

    South America


    History

    George Washington planted potatoes at many of his farms.


    Other Details

    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden Fruit Garden & Nursery Lower Garden Pioneer Farm Slave Cabin Garden

  • Upper Garden
  • Fruit Garden & Nursery
  • Lower Garden
  • Pioneer Farm
  • Slave Cabin Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend

    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.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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