Potato Solanum tuberosum 'Winston' (PBR)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Winston', a cultivar of the common potato, bears a tidy and bushy growth habit. Its leaves are green with a slight darkness to them, a characteristic typical of potato plants, and they show the conventional shape associated with its kin: somewhat heart-shaped with pointed tips and a somewhat wavy edge. Flowers, when present, can be delicate white to purple blossoms, adding a touch of subtle beauty to the plant. The potatoes themselves, developing underground from the roots, present a smooth skin and are often uniform in shape, showcasing an appealing eye-free surface. These tubers range in color, generally featuring a light to creamy flesh that is favored for its taste and culinary versatility.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Winston Potato
Common names
Solanum tuberosum 'Winston' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Solanum tuberosum 'Winston' (PBR), more commonly known as the potato 'Winston', is generally considered non-toxic when the tubers (potatoes) are cooked. However, the green parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and green spots on the potatoes, contain toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids, such as solanine and chaconine. If ingested in large quantities, these can cause symptoms including headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and in severe cases, neurological disorders such as dizziness, hallucinations, or even paralysis. The most common consequence of ingesting the toxic parts of the potato plant is gastrointestinal distress.
To pets
The potato 'Winston' possesses the same toxicity to pets as it does to humans. Pets should not eat the green parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, or any green areas on the tubers, as these contain glycoalkaloids like solanine which are toxic. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, can lead to more serious neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures. The most direct consequence of a pet ingesting these toxic parts would be gastrointestinal upset or more severe poisoning depending on the amount ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- High Yield: 'Winston' is known for its high yielding capacity, producing a plentiful crop of potatoes.
- Good Storage: The tubers of this variety store well, allowing for prolonged use over time.
- Culinary Versatility: It is suitable for a wide range of culinary uses including baking, mashing, and roasting.
- Disease Resistance: This cultivar has a level of resistance to common potato diseases, which supports healthy growth.
- Easy to Grow: 'Winston' is considered an easy variety to cultivate, suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Early Harvest: It is an early maturing variety, so you can enjoy your homegrown potatoes sooner.
- Favorable Taste: The potatoes have a pleasant flavor that is well-received by most palates.
Medical Properties- Solanum tuberosum 'Winston' (PBR), commonly known as potato, has no significant established medical properties for human health. It is primarily cultivated and consumed as a food source.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural stamp: Cut a potato in half and carve a design on the flat surface to use it as a stamp for crafts or homemade cards.
- In rust removal: The oxalic acid in potatoes can help remove rust from knives or other kitchenware by rubbing the cut side on the affected area.
- To clean silverware: The juices from potatoes can shine up tarnished silverware, just by soaking them in water with potato peels.
- As a fabric dye: Boiled potato skins can create a natural yellow-tinged fabric dye.
- To remove berry stains: Rub a cut potato on hands or clothing stained with berry juices to help lift the stains.
- For educational purposes: Use potatoes in science projects, such as demonstrating osmosis or creating a potato battery.
- As an adhesive remover: The raw cut side of a potato can help to dissolve labels, stickers, and glue residue from surfaces.
- In planters for growing: Hollow out a large potato to use as a biodegradable planter for starting small seedlings.
- To hold skewers: Use half a potato to hold skewers upright when preparing or serving satay or kebabs.
- As a frost deterrent for car windshields: A cut potato rubbed over a car's windshield at night is said to prevent frost formation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe potato is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe potato is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Nourishment and Provision: Known commonly as the potato, the Solanum tuberosum 'Winston' symbolizes sustenance and the provision of basic needs due to its role as a staple food in many cultures around the world. Its ability to grow in various conditions reflects themes of adaptability and survival.
- Grounding and Stabilization: As a tuber that grows underground, the potato represents grounding and stability, referencing to being well-balanced and connected to one's roots or foundation.
- Humility and Modesty: Potatoes are humble in appearance, often covered in dirt when harvested, symbolic of modesty and unpretentiousness despite their great value and utility.
WaterWinston potatoes require even moisture, especially during the period when they're forming tubers. Water them deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water which equates to about 0.6-1.2 gallons per square foot of soil. The frequency may need to increase to twice a week during particularly dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliage diseases, and instead use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for deep watering that reaches the roots. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to rot and other diseases.
LightWinston potatoes thrive best in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer a spot that has clear exposure to the sky, allowing for abundant sunlight. Partially shaded conditions can lead to reduced yields and increase the risk of diseases due to the cooler, damper environment that can develop in the absence of full sun.
TemperatureWinston potatoes grow well in temperatures between 60°F to 70°F, which are ideal for tuber formation. They can tolerate a minimum soil temperature of about 45°F for planting, and growth will cease if temperatures exceed 80°F. The plants can survive light frosts, but hard freezes below 32°F can damage the foliage and should be avoided to protect the crop.
PruningPruning Winston potatoes is not considered necessary in the traditional sense, but removing any diseased or damaged foliage is beneficial. Cutting away these leaves can help prevent the spread of disease and pests. The best time for this selective removal is during regular garden maintenance throughout the growing season, whenever problems are observed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPotato 'Winston' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Amend the soil with compost and ensure it is not too dense or clay-heavy which could impact tuber development.
RepottingPotato 'Winston' is typically not repotted as it is an annual crop. After harvest, new seed potatoes are planted the following season in replenished soil.
Humidity & MistingPotato 'Winston' plants can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but prefer a moderate range. They do well in open, outdoor environments where the humidity is naturally regulated.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Winston' in deep containers with drainage, under full-spectrum grow lights.
Outdoor
Plant 'Winston' in full sun, in well-drained soil after frost risk.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Solanum tuberosum 'Winston' (commonly known as the potato 'Winston') starts with the planting of seed potatoes, which are small tubers or cut segments of tubers that contain at least one eye. These seed potatoes sprout and grow into leafy plants above ground while developing a root system beneath. As the plant matures, it produces flowers and, subsequently, small green fruits that contain seeds, although propagation is typically through tubers rather than seeds. Below ground, stolons from the plant grow and swell to form the edible tubers. Once the foliage above ground starts to yellow and die back, it signals the maturity of the tubers, which are then ready for harvest. After harvesting, the tubers enter a dormant phase and can be stored for extended periods before being replanted or consumed.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Solanum tuberosum 'Winston' (PBR), commonly known as the 'Winston' potato, is typically propagated through vegetative means using seed tubers. The most popular method of propagation is by planting these seed tubers directly into the soil. Typically, this is done in the spring, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to at least 45°F (around 7°C). The tubers are planted about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) deep and spaced approximately 12 inches (30.48 cm) apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) apart. The eyes of the tubers should be facing upward as they will sprout and grow towards the surface. It's essential to ensure the soil is well-draining and nutrient-rich to support the growth. After planting, the emerging shoots should be periodically hilled with soil to protect them from sunlight and to encourage the development of additional tubers along the buried stems.
