Is a potato annual or perennial?

A potato plant is technically a perennial, meaning it can live for more than two years. However, it's typically grown as an annual in most regions. Here's why:

* Perennial Nature: Potatoes are members of the nightshade family and can survive for multiple years under ideal conditions. They produce tubers (the edible part) as a form of underground storage.

* Annual Cultivation: In most climates, potato plants are susceptible to diseases and pests, and their yield declines over time. Additionally, they are frost-sensitive. For these reasons, farmers and home gardeners typically treat them as annuals, planting new plants every year.

* Exception: In some tropical regions with warm, frost-free climates, potato plants can persist for multiple years and even become invasive.

So, while a potato plant has the potential to be perennial, it's generally grown as an annual for practical reasons.