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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Crystalmoon on July 03, 2008, 11:44:21

Title: main crop potatoes
Post by: Crystalmoon on July 03, 2008, 11:44:21
Hi everyone I'm new to growing potatoes so this may be a silly question...my main crop potatoes are starting to grow green ball like fruits (like unripe cherry tomatoes).
What does this mean, if anything?
Was wondering if it means I have to dig up the spuds now?

Was hoping to keep them in the ground til much later in the year as ive still got loads of 2nd earlies & salad potatoes to crop this summer.

Thanks fro any advice
Title: Re: main crop potatoes
Post by: tim on July 03, 2008, 11:58:01
Worry not!

The 'seed' is poisonous but otherwise harmless.

Some say take off the flowers/seed, but I'm too old. Never suffered because of that!
Title: Re: main crop potatoes
Post by: Crystalmoon on July 03, 2008, 12:02:27
Thanks so much for your quick reply Tim, I really do appreciate it.
Title: Re: main crop potatoes
Post by: Stevens706 on July 03, 2008, 12:07:42
These are the seeds of the plant, you can leave the plants in until you need them, usually when they start dying off they are ready. As Tim says you must not eat the little fruits as they are poisonous.
Title: Re: main crop potatoes
Post by: tim on July 03, 2008, 12:08:18
Quick because I have been RETIRED for 3 years.

Wondrous situation. Everyone deserves it!!
Title: Re: main crop potatoes
Post by: antipodes on July 03, 2008, 13:05:47
It's funny, on our site, everyone's spuds seem to have the fruit balls this year!
Do you think the seed can be saved? And if so, how do you grow potatoes from it?
Title: Re: main crop potatoes
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on July 03, 2008, 17:32:59
You can indeed. That's how new varieties are developed.
Title: Re: main crop potatoes
Post by: Tee Gee on July 03, 2008, 17:41:25
QuoteAnd if so, how do you grow potatoes from it?

I have covered this one before on these forums and providing you have the patience to wait 5-7 years to get them on the plate the method is quite easy ::)

Let me know if you have the patience!