Why Are My Potatoes Knobbly

Knobby or deformed potato tubers develop when tuber growth is halted by drought, high soil temperatures, or some other factor. When growth resumes, tubers become knobby or misshapen. Watering on a regular basis (about once a week) during dry periods helps prevent this problem.

Why are my potatoes bumpy?

The white bumps are actually called lenticels. Lenticels are special pores in the plant tissue that allow oxygen exchange with the outside world, allowing the potatoes to “breathe.” The large amount of moisture we have been receiving caused the lenticels to swell and therefore become visible.

Are scaly potatoes safe to eat?

The skin can peel from abrasion of rubbing against other potatoes, dirt or machinery. They are perfectly fine to eat. The scientific term of this maturing process is called “suberization.”