barbaric potatoes have been found throughout both Americas , although the specie is opine to be indigenous to the Andes . These potatoes , however , are dramatically different from the domesticated versions you see on the dinner party mesa . Today potatoes are grown from Maine to California and from Europe to China , as well as in many other areas .
Origin of the Potato
Archeological evidence betoken the murphy originated in the Andes . Today ’s reclaim Andean potatoes includeSolanum tuberosum , Solanum ajanhuiri , Solanum curtilobumandSolanum juzepczukii . The Andean white potato was probably first domesticate about 10,000 years ago . However , Irish potato from the Andes that were take to Chilean lowlands became the offshoot that were progenitor of the modern domesticated potato , introduced into Europe by the Spanish .
Potato Varieties Worldwide
just about 5,000 cultivate potato variety show are known to survive today . At least three thousand – which belong to eight or nine unlike species – are find in the Andes alone , primarily in Bolivia , Chile , Colombia , Ecuador , and Peru . In plus , there are around 200 wild specie and race . Many of these have been intersect to promote disease resistance and other valuable feature into domesticated Irish potato .
Potatoes in Europe
potato are an all important harvest in Europe , particularly in eastern and primal Europe . Per capita product in this area is the high in the world . Potatoes dramatically changed Europe ’s farming , provide a with child population expansion . However , dependance on the potato – more specifically on a single variety – also caused serious famines in Europe , Ireland and Scotland during the 1800s due to potato blight .
Potato Production Worldwide
China is the world ’s largest producer of commercial-grade spud , growing more than 25 percent of the crop in 2017 . India is next , although with less than half the production of China . Russia farm about eight percent and the Ukraine produces about 6 per centum of the potato grown each twelvemonth . The US bring on approximately 5 percent of the world ’s potatoes .
Potato Production in the US
Idaho , Washington and Wisconsin lead the nation in potato production . North Dakota , Oregon and Colorado come next – each produce about the same amount , but the production of all three combined does not equal that of Idaho . Minnesota , Michigan , Maine and Nebraska also develop potatoes commercially . Although California is call back of as a major agricultural producer in the US , it does not grow a lot of potatoes .
Growing Potatoes in the Garden
As you might expect given its origins , the white potato is a cool - season crop . However , a arduous freeze will kill the tops , so it ’s best not toplantuntil about three weeks before the expected last hoarfrost date . spud are heavy feeders and call for copious soil that drains well . They also postulate a firm supply of water while growing ; stop watering once the tops begin to cash in one’s chips down .
Choosing Varieties
Your biggest problem in choosing potato varieties may be the number of choices . These are well - regarded for flavor and product :
Preparing the Soil
In ordination to grow genus Tuber of any size , the potato needs loose , crumbly soil . A sandy loam is ideal . If you have heavy corpse , either grow in raised bed or lend lots of humus in the word form of well - rotted leaves or aged manure . Avoid clean manure , as it can cause scab . you’re able to also impart coarse Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin to ameliorate tillage and drainage . go the territory well by digging or rototilling .
Potato Nutrients
Like most plants , potatoes ask nitrogen , phosphorus and K . atomic number 19 is specially important in growing this crop . Wood ash are a proficient source and also help make the soil more acidulous , as do pine needles . amendment like kelp and greensand also add micro - nutrient the potato need . If you utilise commercial-grade plant food , attempt to find an organic beginning with an NPK proportion of 10 - 10 - 10 . mould it into the ground prior to planting .
Hilling Potatoes
Potato tubers must be protected from the sun to prevent them from developing the toxic substance solanine . Many gardeners implant them in a trench about six to eight inches deep . As the plants originate , the nurseryman hoes loose grime around them , leave about six in of stem uncover . Most potatoes must be hilled two or three time during the grow period .
The Harvest
When potato plants prime , start counting days . About three weeks later , you should be able-bodied toharvestnew Solanum tuberosum . Anything larger than a biddy ’s eggs can be used for eating . Once the plant tops begin to droop and die out down , it ’s a sign larger Tuber have developed . About three or four calendar week after the tops die down , your crop is quick to harvest .
