How to Plant a Sprouting Sweet Potato: A Complete Guide
To successfully plant a sprouting sweet potato, prepare well-draining soil, carefully detach the slips (sprouts) or plant the entire sweet potato, and provide adequate moisture and sunlight. You can cultivate your own sweet potato vines from the sweet potato itself, yielding a bountiful harvest.
Understanding the Magic of Sweet Potato Propagation
Sweet potatoes, unlike regular potatoes, are tropical vines cultivated for their delicious and nutritious tubers. While they rarely flower and produce seeds, they are incredibly easy to propagate vegetatively. This means you can grow new plants from existing plant parts – in this case, the sweet potato itself! This process begins with “slips,” the sprouts that emerge from the sweet potato’s “eyes”.
The Benefits of Growing Your Own Sweet Potatoes
Growing your own sweet potatoes offers a wealth of advantages:
- Freshness: Harvest sweet potatoes at their peak flavor and nutritional value.
- Variety: Access unique sweet potato varieties not typically found in stores.
- Cost Savings: Reduce grocery bills by growing your own produce.
- Sustainability: Lower your carbon footprint by reducing reliance on industrial agriculture.
- Gardening Satisfaction: Experience the joy of nurturing plants and harvesting your rewards.
Step-by-Step: Planting Sweet Potato Slips or the Whole Potato
The process of planting a sprouting sweet potato involves two primary methods: planting slips or planting the whole potato. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Method 1: Planting Sweet Potato Slips
Slips are the individual sprouts that grow from the sweet potato.
- Sprouting the Sweet Potato (Creating Slips): Submerge the bottom half of the sweet potato in a jar or container of water, using toothpicks for support. Place in a warm, sunny location.
- Slip Development: Wait for slips to develop (2-4 inches long) with small roots. This can take several weeks.
- Separating the Slips: Gently detach the slips from the sweet potato. You can root them in water for a few days to establish a stronger root system before planting.
- Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure for added nutrients. Sweet potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5).
- Planting the Slips: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots of the slip. Plant the slip, burying the roots and part of the stem, leaving the leaves exposed. Space slips 12-18 inches apart.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first few weeks.
- Ongoing Care: Monitor for pests and diseases. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Sweet potato vines spread considerably, so provide ample space.
Method 2: Planting the Whole Sweet Potato
This method is less common but can be successful.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil as described in Method 1.
- Planting the Sweet Potato: Dig a hole large enough to completely bury the sweet potato. Place the sweet potato horizontally in the hole, ensuring that the sprouts are facing upwards.
- Covering and Watering: Cover the sweet potato with soil, leaving a small portion of the sprouts exposed. Water thoroughly.
- Ongoing Care: Maintain consistent moisture and provide adequate sunlight. Monitor for pests and diseases. As the sprouts grow, ensure they receive sufficient support.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato Variety
Several sweet potato varieties are available, each with unique characteristics:
| Variety | Flesh Color | Skin Color | Maturity (Days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beauregard | Orange | Red-Purple | 100 | Most popular variety, good yields, sweet flavor. |
| Georgia Jet | Orange | Red | 90 | Early maturing, good for shorter growing seasons. |
| Covington | Orange | Rose | 100 | Disease resistant, excellent flavor. |
| Japanese | White | Purple | 110 | Drier texture, mild flavor, often used in Asian cuisine. |
| Jewel | Orange | Copper | 120 | Stores well, sweet and moist. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwatering: Sweet potatoes are susceptible to root rot in excessively wet soil.
- Planting too early: Sweet potatoes are sensitive to frost. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting.
- Poor soil drainage: Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.
- Insufficient sunlight: Sweet potatoes require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Ignoring pests and diseases: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases.
- Harvesting too early or too late: Harvest sweet potatoes when the foliage begins to yellow and die back.
Harvesting and Curing Sweet Potatoes
Harvest sweet potatoes before the first frost. Gently dig around the plants, being careful not to damage the tubers. Curing sweet potatoes after harvest is essential for developing their sweetness and extending their storage life. Cure them in a warm (80-85°F), humid (85-90%) environment for 7-10 days.
Sweet Potato Vine Care
Sweet potato vines can become quite expansive. Pruning can help manage their growth and encourage tuber production. However, avoid excessive pruning, as it can reduce yields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for sweet potato slips to root in water?
Typically, sweet potato slips will develop roots in water within 3-7 days. Change the water every 1-2 days to prevent bacterial growth.
Can I plant a store-bought sweet potato?
Yes, you can plant a store-bought sweet potato to grow slips. Choose a sweet potato that is firm and free from blemishes.
What type of fertilizer should I use for sweet potatoes?
Use a balanced fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content (e.g., 5-10-10). Excessive nitrogen can promote vine growth at the expense of tuber development.
How much sunlight do sweet potatoes need?
Sweet potatoes require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and tuber production.
How often should I water sweet potatoes?
Water sweet potatoes regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
When is the best time to plant sweet potato slips?
The best time to plant sweet potato slips is after the last frost when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C).
What are common pests that affect sweet potatoes?
Common pests include sweet potato weevils, aphids, and flea beetles. Use appropriate pest control methods to manage infestations.
How do I know when my sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?
Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest when the foliage begins to yellow and die back, usually around 90-120 days after planting.
Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes in containers, but you will need a large container (at least 20 gallons) with good drainage.
What is the ideal soil pH for sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
Why are my sweet potato vines growing but not producing tubers?
This can be caused by excessive nitrogen in the soil, insufficient sunlight, or overly wet soil. Adjust your fertilization and watering practices accordingly, and ensure your plants receive adequate sunlight.
How long can I store sweet potatoes after harvesting?
When properly cured and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place (55-60°F), sweet potatoes can be stored for several months.