These potatoes have just as much antioxidant as blueberries! Harvesting Potatoes. Manage thrips by spraying the bush with a horticultural oil, neem oil or a spinosad product. The All Blue is a good producer. Well suited to many garden types, the blue potato bush makes an excellent backdrop for small shrubs and perennials. My Father planting some Russian Blue potatoes. Blue potato bush needs a sunny location and a frost-free climate. Cover them with straw or … Fertilize in early spring with a liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. The plant prefers an organically rich soil that is constantly moist, but well-drained. Choose a spot in your yard with lots of sun. How to Grow and Care for the Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow Plants, 29 Shrubs That Grow in Full or Partial Shade, Growing the Hedge Maple in the Home Garden, Sweetberry Honeysuckle (Lonicera Caerulea) Growing Profile, Growing the Common Snowberry in a Home Garden, How to Grow and Care for the European Spindle Tree. Their unique colors come from natural anthocyanin pigments; some Peruvian potatoes are naturally purple, while others are bred for deeper shades. If managed well, this species can be pruned to a round shape with minimal loss of flowers. Blue Potatoes are now organically grown in the U.S. A., are complete non-GMO, and a source of excellent nutrition. Backfill with the excavated soil, tamping gently. The cultivar Lycianthes rantonnetii 'White' has beautiful snow white flowers, while Lycianthes rantonnetii ‘Variegata’ has cream and grey-green leaves with blue flowers. Starting Seed Potatoes Like I said previously, I bought my Adirondack Blue potatoes from a local garden store. There are waxy and starchy types, and Sarah is planting three waxy fingerling types and Yukon Gold potatoes, using purchased “seed” potatoes. Potatoes are planted from small pieces of mature tubers, called “seed” potatoes, each with one or two buds. Leaves of the blue potato bush are oval to elliptical, alternate, and grow up to six inches long and three inches across. The use of the common name of nightshade is not surprising because this plant was mistakenly thought to be one of the nightshade species, even though it is not. salt, pepper, potatoes, pizza dough, blue potatoes, fresh basil and 2 more Red, White and Blue Potato Salad Proud Italian Cook chopped parsley, blue potatoes, dressing, red bell pepper, purple onion and 3 more This species may also suffer from blight, damping-off, stem rot, powdery mildew, gray mold, as well as viruses. A cool & unique side dish Blue Mashed Potatoes No, your eyes are not deceiving you and no, I didn't use food coloring. Achieve the right balance of moisture by watering the plant slowly and deeply when the surface feels dry. Plant potatoes with the shoots (or ‘eyes’) facing upwards. Potato plants grow incredibly fast, so keep an eye on them and don't let them get ahead of you. Plant them 12cm deep and 38cm apart, with 75cm between rows. Midseason and early purple potato plants planted in spring usually begin to die back in late summer, while late-season plants die back in fall or after the first frost. This dish is actually made with blue potatoes. Several cultivars have been produced with different colored foliage and blossoms. How Far Apart Should Blue Girl Holly Be Planted? Space the potatoes 10 to 12 inches apart with eyes up and cover with 2 or 3 inches of soil in rows spaced 2 feet apart. The blue potato bush can grow … Contrary to its name, the spectacular blue, floury flesh, of this unusual coloured potato is best suited to baking, roasting, mash, boiling or chips. Aphids can be removed by directing a strong spray of water early in the day to allow leaves to dry before nighttime. Potatoes have been grown in a wide variety of containers, from half wine barrels to plastic bags. These beautiful blue mashed potatoes feature amazing color with the same texture and taste you enjoy in your favorite potatoes. Regardless of the planting method, potato plants require frequent “hilling,” or mounding of dirt around the stems, as the season progresses. Monitor the blue potato bush for pests such as aphids and thrips. Grow your own organic potatoes in containers or in a raised bed. They can be pruned to almost any shape and are often trimmed to a round shape with the lower foliage clipped, thus resembling a small tree. The blue potato bush (Solanum rantonnetii), also known as Paraguay nightshade, is a shrub native to both Brazil and Paraguay. Regular watering is important, particularly during the first growing season. They can be grown into a small potted tree by removing the lower branches and pruning the remaining foliage to the desired shape. Thrips can be managed by the use of horticultural oils, neem oil or spinosad. Flowering is most prolific during the summer months. How to Plant a Blue Potato 1. Useful links: How to grow potatoes in the ground Potato Selector Guide How to grow potatoes in bags How to stop blight The best way to … If planted in a container, fertilize once a month with a liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer. The Royal Horticultural Society gave Lycianthes rantonnetii their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2012. In other respects, purple potatoes are no different from other potato varieties and need similar growing conditions and care. From a cook’s point of view, potatoes are not all the same. Native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, the blue potato bush is cultivated all over the world for its beautiful deep purple-blue flowers. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, one of which is a deep blue or purple tint. Several cultivars have been produced with different colored foliage and blossoms. With degrees in fine and commercial art and Spanish, Ruth de Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist, book designer and published author. Sprinkle with a mix of soil and compost. During times of high heat water more frequently. Mulch keeps the soil evenly moist and discourages weed growth. Add a 4-inch layer of mulch around the blue potato bush, pulling it back 4 inches from the stem. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bush and its flowers. Never use potatoes you buy from the grocery store. When the plants are 6-8" tall, hill them by mounding soil from each side of the row about 4" high along the base of the plants to protect developing tubers from greening. In colder zones, it may drop its leaves in the winter, while in the warmer zones it remains evergreen. When to Harvest. Native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, the blue potato bush is cultivated all over the world for its beautiful deep purple-blue flowers. She enthusiastically pursues creative and community interests, including gardening, home improvement and social issues. Harvesting. Episode 1: How to Plant Potatoes. To plant potatoes in a garden: Dig trenches that are about eight inches deep. Blue potato bush blooms year-round in mild climates where frost is not an issue. Propagate this plant using softwood cuttings; the blue potato bush rarely sets seeds. Bigger ones can be cut in half. They are both short season. Repeat hilling process as plants grow until hills are about 12" high. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost across each planting row and sprinkle 10-10-5 fertilizer across the soil at a... 3. They are described as an evergreen in warmer zones and deciduous in zones that are cooler. Growing Blue Potatoes Blue Potato Varieties. The “eye” should be facing upward. It is also known as Solanum rantonnetii. Cure the Cut Pieces. The Royal Horticultural Society gave Lycianthes rantonnetii their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2012. Both skins and flesh may display the purple color. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring just before new growth begins. I can plant some in a bare patch of the garden at the end of July – even up to mid-August – and still dig a few potatoes after frost. Simply plant tubers in an equal mix of compost and potting soil. Remove up to one-third of each branch to maintain the desired form. If your blue potato bush is planted in a tub, fertilize monthly. Each berry produces approximately two dozen dark brown seeds. Selecting the proper variety, or cultivar, is important since varieties differ in yield, cooking characteristics, time of maturity, skin and flesh color, and storage life. All parts of the blue potato bush are poisonous; grow the plant out of reach of children and pets. As the plant grows, slowly fill the can with more fine compost. In addition to cool weather, they require at least 7 or 8 hours of direct sunshine, very well-drained soil and moderate fertilizer. Typically they are pruned back to a much smaller size. The moist flesh is very flavorful and holds its color well when cooked. Native to Argentina and Paraguay, the blue potato bush is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 to 11. Another use for the blue potato bush is as a hedge or screening plant. Time your planting so that it falls a week or two … Aren't they cute? If youve ever seen it bloom, you wont forget it. Cover each potato with... After a few weeks, the potato plants will begin to sprout. Select a well-draining, sunny location in the garden, at least 4 feet from walls and fences. The blue potato bush is susceptible to pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and thrips. Important note: All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested, including the seeds and berries. If your garden soil is very rocky, put the seed potato pieces directly on the ground. No more than one-third of the stem should be cut back. Allow the soil to dry to a depth of 2 inches before watering. Plant blue potato bush along the fence line in the back of the garden or as a focal point in a centrally located garden bed. Although this species requires little maintenance, it should be pruned regularly to maintain a pleasing shape. The blue potato bush is a fast-growing evergreen that will grow to as much as ten feet in height and width. These potatoes make a beautiful potato salad, or when roasted, they liven up a dinner plate. Height and spread: 60cm (24"). Plants emerge in 4-6 weeks. Garbage can or half wine barrel: Obtain a large garbage can, put drainage holes in the bottom and fill it with a foot of really good compost. Pick an appropriate time for planting in your climate. The foliage of oval, bright green leaves will remain on the plant in mild winter areas. The flowers of this species are what make it memorable. The soil should be well-drained but not allowed to completely dry out before the next watering. The golden rule with any fruit or vegetable is the darker and deeper the color, the more nutritional benefits it packs. Increased interest in new gourmet varieties has added purple, blue, orange, yellow, and other colors to the inventory. Store the potatoes in a cool, dry place until … Look for potatoes that are around the size of a chicken egg. Watch them plant potatoes. If the bush is planted in a large flowerpot or tub, slowly add water until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Harvest the Potatoes . The fruit is not edible, and like other parts of the plant is poisonous if ingested. Borne on slender, sprawling stems, the cup-shaped blossoms are profuse throughout warm weather and give way to showy red berries. Plants survive temperatures down to 15ºF with little or no protection. The blue … It can be used as a focal piece in a garden or mixed in with other plants as a border. They contain carotenoids and the color comes from their flavonoid content. Remove weeds and rocks from an area of the garden in full sun with loose soil and good drainage in early spring or... 2. The vibrant blue color makes this one extra fun to grow! Surrounded by other sun-loving tropical and subtropical perennials, annuals and bulbs, the large shrub blooms year-round in frost-free gardens. This species can also be grown in containers and makes a striking display on a patio. Russet tubers tend to b… I even left some of the peel to give it color and texture. Apply a layer of mulch over the soil to slow water evaporation. Blue potato bush is hardy in Sunset climate zones 12, 13 and 15 to 27. Pet owners should monitor their dogs, in particular, to ensure they do not eat the berries or other parts of this shrub.Â. The blue potato bush grows up to 8 feet tall and equally wide unless pruned into a tree-shaped form. Shape the bush to a shrub, tree or "lollipop." If there is danger of frost cover the rows with newspaper until the shoots are 3-4 inches tall or the danger of frost is over. These need to stay in the ground longer and require more space to produce a decent crop. This species fares well in coastal regions but should be protected from strong winds. Tubers of standard white and red varieties generally are round to oblong and relatively thin skinned compared to russets. Primary pruning should take place in the winter months after blossoming has ceased. Blue Potato Tips. Other methods for planting potatoes include planting directly into furrows or the use of the Ruth Stout method. South Coast Botanic Garden: Blue Potato Bush, National Gardening Association: Caring for a Solanum Royal Robe Patio Tree, National Gardening Association: Pruning Potato Bush Trees, University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Thrips, Jonathan Ya'akobi's Dry Climate Gardening: Solanum rantonnetii – A Worthy Substitute for Bougainvillea, How to Make a Hydrangea Blue in Horticulture. The berries, in particular, might be appealing to young children. Next, "cure" the cut pieces. You can begin to harvest potatoes anytime after the plants have flowered. Mulch roots with compost in the spring and again in the fall. Select a well-draining, sunny location in the garden, at least 4 feet from walls and fences. Named after the 19th-century French horticulturist, Barthélémy Victor Rantonnet, the botanical name for this plant is generally accepted as Lycianthes rantonnetii. Striking masses of deep violet-blue flowers with yellow centers are grouped at the leaf axils. In cooler zones, blossoms are produced from March through October, while in the warmest zones it may bloom year-round. Plant maincrop potatoes later, in April. Allow water to slowly trickle over the root ball until the soil is moist. Watch our No Fuss video guide to planting potatoes, with Alan Titchmarsh: Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. De Jauregui authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, available as an ebook. Fruit is produced in the form of orange-red oval berries that are up to an inch in size. This species is suitable for planting in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. Purple potatoes boast more health benefits than their white counterparts. Keep the rows about three feet apart. If the soil drains too quickly, work in some organic material, such as compost. If you’ve ever seen it bloom, you won’t forget it. Potatoes grow best with 8 hours of sunlight a day, but … This can be accomplished with the use of soil or a straw mulch. The smooth gray-brown branches grow in an arching fashion, sprawling to well over six feet if not pruned. Blue potato bush prefers full sun if possible, but will tolerate partial shade. Carefully reach down into the soil of your container and pull out a few new potatoes at a time. Plants will emerge 2-3 weeks later. They have not be tested for diseases and often they have been sprayed to slow growth of eyes. Expose your seed potatoes to light for a few days to start sprouts Cut seed potatoes into pieces with at least one eye on each Dig trenches 12-15 inches wide and 4-8 inches deep OR fill large pots with 4-8 inches of a soil and straw mix Place potato pieces eye up, 8-12 inches apart It has purple-bluish skin with a deep blue interior and tubers that are round to oblong and slightly flattened in shape. The Purple Majesty doesn’t produce as well, but is has AMAZING color. Mature Potatoes. Take care with placement, as all parts of this plant are poisonous. In each trench, place a seed potato piece (cut side down) every 12 to 14 inches and cover with 3 to 4 inches of soil. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. In the trenches, plant a seed potato every 12 inches or so. The genus name is taken from the Greek word lykion which means ‘a thorny bush’, and anthos which means flower. Varieties traditionally have been classed as white, red, orrusset, based on skin color and texture. Potatoes need full sun a minimum of six hour a day. Prune in the early fall or after the blue potato bush has stopped blooming. This plant develops bluish-purple blooms with yellow middles during summer and continues to flower into fall. As a rule of thumb, early and mid-season potatoes do best in containers. Vanessa Richins Myers is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space. Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball. Lycianthes rantonnetii (Blue Potato Bush) is an evergreen shrub boasting a nearly non-stop display of lightly fragrant, purple-blue flowers adorned with bright golden centers. The only potatoes I’ve grown for years are blue potatoes. Widely known by the common name of blue potato bush, this species is also called blue Lycianthes, Paraguay nightshade, and royal robe. And, yes, their flowers are blue, too! © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Sunset Western Garden Book; Editors of Sunset Books, et al. Plant one large seed potato in the soil. Different kinds of potatoes mature at different times. If not pruned, this species will also produce berries which will attract a variety of birds. Remove aphids with a strong stream of water early in the morning so that the leaves are dry before nightfall. The long growing season needed by keeper potatoes gives diseases including potato varieties. Planting and Care. Consider where your container will go before planting. All varieties are sweetly scented and attract butterflies. The cultivar Lycianthes rantonnetii 'White' has beautiful s… Either set them out in the sun, or place them on a … Purple potatoes, also known as Peruvian purple potatoes, have naturally purple or deep blue skin and flesh, and are unusually high in antioxidants which makes them super healthful. Place a double layer of newspaper over plants when freezes threaten and foliage is still actively growing. The sweetly scented flowers of Lycianthes rantonnetii, also known as Solanum rantonnetii, blue potato bush and Paraguay nightshade, provide a focal point to a tropical or cottage garden. Growing Blue Potatoes. 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