What are These Tomato Looking Things on my Potato Plants?

As a potato grower, it can be concerning to see what appear to be tomatoes growing on your potato plants. These tomato looking things may be confusing and unsettling, but don't worry - they are likely just another type of potato that has sprouted from your original plant. These growths are known as potato fruit or potato berries.

What are Potato Berries?

Potato berries are the fruit produced by a potato plant when it flowers. They are typically small, round, and red or green in color, resembling small tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. Potato berries contain seeds that can be used to grow new potato plants, but they are not commonly used for this purpose as most potatoes are grown from seed potatoes.

Why Do Potato Plants Produce Berries?

Only certain varieties of potato plants produce berries, and even then, it is not a common occurrence. When a potato plant flowers, it is a sign that the plant has reached maturity and is healthy. The berries themselves are produced to protect and nourish the plant's seeds, and to attract birds and other animals to help spread them.

However, potato growers usually remove the flowers from potato plants to encourage the plants to produce more tubers or potatoes. This is because the energy that the plant puts into producing flowers and berries could be better spent on producing larger and more plentiful potatoes.

Are Potato Berries Safe to Eat?

While potato berries may look like small tomatoes, they are not safe to eat. Potato berries contain high levels of solanine, a toxic substance that can cause symptoms such as digestive issues, dizziness, headaches, and even paralysis in severe cases. Consuming large amounts of solanine can be fatal, so it's best to avoid eating potato berries altogether.

What Should I Do with Potato Berries?

Although potato berries are not safe to eat, they can be used for other purposes. One option is to harvest the seeds from the berries and use them to grow new potato plants. However, it's important to note that not all potato plants will grow true to the parent plant, so the resulting potatoes may not be the same as the original crop.

Another option is to use the potato berries for ornamental purposes. They can add a pop of color to flower arrangements, and some people even use them as a replacement for cranberries in holiday decor.

Conclusion

Potato berries may look like tomatoes, but they are a natural part of some potato plants' life cycles. While they are not safe to eat, they can be used for other purposes such as growing new potato plants or for ornamental purposes. As a potato grower, understanding these unusual growths can help you make the most of your crop and enjoy a successful harvest.