Potato
Solanum tuberosum
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Quick Info
water
Even moisture, increase at tuber bulking
spacing
30 cm in row, 75 cm rows
depth
10-15 cm for seed tubers
sun
Full sun
season
Cool dry months in highlands
frost
Tolerant of light frost only
height
40-60 cm
gemination
Sprouting 14-21 days
sprout to harvest
90-120 days
soil ph
5.5-6.5
soil type
Friable volcanic loam, well-drained
fertilizer needs
Moderate N, high P and K
About
Potato is a cool-season tuber crop best suited to the Papua New Guinea highlands above 1500 metres. It produces starchy underground tubers that store well and provide an important cash and food crop for highland farmers.
Health Benefits
High in carbohydrates, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. The skin is rich in dietary fibre. Filling and energy-dense, useful for active rural lifestyles.
Market Requirements
Buyers prefer medium tubers (80-150 g) with clean skin, no green patches, and no insect damage. Pack in 25 kg hessian sacks or ventilated crates. Restaurants pay a premium for uniform size and shape.