The potato plant (Solanum tuberosum) is a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Like its relatives, the potato plant produces small, five-petaled flowers as part of its reproductive cycle. While most people are familiar with the edible underground tuber, the above-ground plant develops blossoms that display a variety of hues, reflecting the diverse genetics within the species.
The Spectrum of Potato Flower Colors
Potato flowers are typically star-shaped, featuring five fused petals and a prominent yellow center composed of the anthers and stigma. The color spectrum is broad, depending largely on the specific cultivar and its genetic makeup. Common colors include pure white, various shades of lavender and purple, and, less frequently, pink or red. The intensity ranges from very pale shades to deep, vibrant tones.
Color variation is due to the presence and concentration of water-soluble pigments called anthocyanins within the flower tissue. These compounds are responsible for the purple, blue, and red colors. For instance, a variety with high anthocyanin content may display a deep purple bloom, while one lacking these genes will produce a white flower.
Linking Flower Color to Potato Variety
Flower color is a specific, genetically determined trait used by growers and botanists for cultivar identification. For example, the ‘Russet Burbank’ variety produces sparse, white flowers, while many European or heirloom varieties display robust purple or blue blooms. The genetic factors governing flower color are complex, involving multiple genes that control the production and distribution of anthocyanin pigments.
The color of the flower does not reliably predict the color of the edible tuber’s skin or flesh, which is a common misconception. While dark flowers sometimes correlate with red or purple-skinned potatoes, the connection is not absolute. Tuber color is governed by a separate set of genetic controls. For instance, some white-flowering varieties, like ‘Yukon Gold,’ produce yellow-fleshed tubers. The color of the anthers, the pollen-bearing parts, can be a better indicator, with blue or red anthers often signaling the presence of corresponding color pigments in the tuber.
The Role of Flowering in Potato Cultivation
The biological function of the potato flower is sexual reproduction, leading to the production of true potato seed contained within a small fruit. The appearance of flowers signals that the plant has reached maturity and is directing energy toward reproduction, which often coincides with the initiation of tuber bulking underground. In commercial agriculture, the flowers and resulting seeds are generally irrelevant to the harvest, as potatoes are propagated vegetatively using seed tubers.
Some commercial growers practice de-budding, or removing the flowers, to redirect the plant’s energy back into the growth of the tubers. While flowering indicates the plant is developing its underground crop, the number of flowers does not directly correlate with the size or quantity of the harvest. After pollination, the plant produces a small, green berry that looks like a miniature tomato.
These green, tomato-like berries and the tiny seeds inside are highly toxic. Like all above-ground parts of the potato plant, they contain high concentrations of glycoalkaloids, primarily solanine and chaconine. For public safety, especially where children or pets are present, these berries should never be consumed and are best removed from the plant, as their resemblance to edible fruits poses a hazard.