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Potato plants producing fruit?

Potato   

I have noticed something strange on my potato plants that I have never seen before. They seem to be producing fruit - they look a little like small tomatoes. Is this normal? Can I make use of these in some way. Will it effect the tubers? I'm seriously out of my depth with this one!


Posted by: D. Thompson (2 points) D. Thompson
Posted: June 25, 2013




Answers

2
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That's totally a normal thing. Just like other Solanaceous crops, potatoes produce fruit too. Unfortunately because of the genetic makeup of the seeds, the fruit do not have seeds that will product fruit true-to-type. Also, make sure you DON'T EAT THE FRUIT! They are poisonous and contain solanine.


Posted by: Kathryn Fiedler (72 points) Kathryn Fiedler
Posted: June 25, 2013




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Google "true potato seeds" to learn more. If you have space and are so inclined, you can save the seeds (they keep a long time), plant them, and see what you get. The fruiting doesn't affect the tubers.


Posted by: Tanya in the Garden (128 points) Tanya in the Garden
Posted: June 25, 2013




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The fruits are normal, but shouldn't be eaten-- they are poisonous as are all parts of the plant above the ground. Obviously the tubers (in this case, the potatoes) are good to eat.


Posted by: David Appleton (1 point) David Appleton
Posted: June 28, 2013




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