Potato Berries?

[Mrs Dobby]

Ok, this is a new one on me, but thats not too difficult as its our first year growing! lol!

We've noticed a few berries, like little tomatoes, on some of our potatoes! Piccy below!

Is this normal, is it something we should be worried about? Should we be removing them? What happens if you plant them??

Help and advice please folks!

[dexterdoglancashire]

I read somewhere that you should knock the flowers off your tatties to prevent this - not sure mysen! I've got them as well. All I know is, don't eat them, think they are poisonous? Looking forward to everyones professional advice! Bernie

[Snadger]

Tatties....member of the deadly nightshade family....fruits very poisonous.

I personally think that if your tatties flower then fruit it is a sign that they have ideal growing conditions. Logically you should remove them so that the plant puts all it's energy into producing tubers!
It would still be interesting to try growing some spuds from seed though!

Can't understand why tomatoes, which are also from the Solanum family aren't poisonous but tatties and nightshade and mock orange are?

Ah well! There you go then, just another one of lifes little mysteries!

[terrier]

I thought thats where 'seed potatoes' came from. I've heard growers call these potatoe fruits 'tomatoes'. I often wondered if you let them mature like toms, would they ripen and go red!

[shirlthegirl43]

I have read that you shouldn't eat them and that you can try growing them but it takes ages and since you don't know what they crossed with it can be very hit and miss.

[Earthbabe]

I pick them off to help potato put energy into tubers and now after three summers, habit having a small person around. I agree with Snadger re toxicity.

Never seen any go red, maybe I've never left them for long enough.

[rustylady]

First year I've had them form, maybe it's all the rain. They're certainly not seed potatoes as these are immature tubers which are kept in special storage for planting in spring. However, they are potato fruits (which presumably contain seed like tomatoes do). Repeat previous advice DO NOT EAT!