Hi, Thomas, The small round green things on the potato plants … are potato fruit. Potatoes and tomatoes are in the same family (Nightshade) and are the most alike two plants in this family. Potato fruit and flowers are produced because this is how the plants multiply themselves—by seed. Both potatoes and tomatoes produce flowers; those on potatoes usually fall off and never develop into anything. However, … this year’s weather in some parts of the country—cool temps and rain—is “causing” (enabling?) them to remain on the plant, pollinate, and produce small fruit that resemble small tomatoes.
These are not edible; they are bitter-tasting and contain high amounts of solanine that can make you —or worse.
Trying to grow potatoes from the seeds could take years. Only breeders and growers find them useful.
So enjoy them. You may not see them again for a while. And your potatoes under the soil will be fine.
Hi, Thomas, The small round green things on the potato plants … are potato fruit. Potatoes and tomatoes are in the same family (Nightshade) and are the most alike two plants in this family. Potato fruit and flowers are produced because this is how the plants multiply themselves—by seed. Both potatoes and tomatoes produce flowers; those on potatoes usually fall off and never develop into anything. However, … this year’s weather in some parts of the country—cool temps and rain—is “causing” (enabling?) them to remain on the plant, pollinate, and produce small fruit that resemble small tomatoes.
These are not edible; they are bitter-tasting and contain high amounts of solanine that can make you —or worse.
Trying to grow potatoes from the seeds could take years. Only breeders and growers find them useful.
So enjoy them. You may not see them again for a while. And your potatoes under the soil will be fine.
Thanks for asking!