Potatoes

[tinnerjohn]

Last night I went down to the truck patch to see if I could dig up some red taters for our supper. They were delicious. Now for the $64.00 question. I discovered that some of the bushes had what looked tiny green tomatoes growing on the vine (above ground). Cutting one open, I found what appeared to be seeds. I've been around potatoes for a long time, but this is a first for me. My question is, is this harmless, should I break these off, or just ignore them. John

[Bill Hudson]

John,

Here is the information I think you are looking for.

Whichever variety is selected, use certified disease-free seed. Such seed is grown under rigid rules and carefully inspected by state authorities. The potato seed is not a true seed, but modified stem tissue known as a tuber. The true seed of the potato occurs in the small, inedible orange fruit the plant produces during mid-season.

Enjoy those taters.

Bill

[tinnerjohn]

Thanks Bill. I had just never noticed anything like this on my plants before. somehow, I knew you would have the answer. John

[SONNY]

Not all spud varieties have blooms/green seed balls.--I have 2 that do and 2 that dont! thanks; sonny

[TJG]

I found some of the seed balls on my potatos so I thought I'd post a picture. Last night I found several of them, but today many were gone. I wonder if birds are eating them.
Todd

[Don McCombs]

That's what mine look like.

[SONNY]

A lot of them fall off instead of maturing!-----Some of mine fall off too! thanks; sonny