Can You Plant a Whole Sprouted Sweet Potato? A Guide to Bountiful Harvests
The simple answer is yes, you can plant a whole sprouted sweet potato. However, while possible, it’s generally not the most efficient or productive method for growing new sweet potato plants. Sprouting slips from the potato is the preferred technique for a higher yield.
The Allure of the Sweet Potato: A Versatile Vegetable
Sweet potatoes, with their vibrant orange flesh and subtly sweet flavor, are nutritional powerhouses enjoyed worldwide. But did you know you can propagate these delicious tubers yourself? The ease with which sweet potatoes can be grown makes them a popular choice for home gardeners, regardless of experience. Understanding the best methods, though, is key to a successful harvest.
Whole Potato vs. Slips: A Propagation Comparison
While planting a whole sprouted sweet potato is technically feasible, the method of sprouting “slips,” which are rooted shoots that emerge from the potato, is more widely recommended and generally yields more robust plants and a larger crop. Think of it like starting a plant from a seed versus from a cutting – both work, but one is often more efficient.
Benefits of Planting a Whole Sweet Potato
Although less common, there are a few scenarios where planting the whole sweet potato might be advantageous:
- Convenience: It’s the simplest approach – minimal prep work required.
- Salvage: If a sweet potato has already sprouted extensively and you lack the time or inclination to make slips, planting the whole potato allows you to make use of it.
- Experimentation: It’s a great way for beginners to learn about plant growth and observe the process firsthand.
The Process: Planting a Whole Sprouted Sweet Potato
Here’s how to plant a whole sprouted sweet potato:
- Choose a Sprouted Potato: Select a sweet potato that has developed sprouts (also known as “eyes”) along its surface. Longer sprouts are preferred.
- Prepare the Soil: Choose a well-drained location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Sweet potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil.
- Dig a Hole: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the entire sweet potato. The hole should be deep enough so the top of the potato will be just below the soil surface.
- Plant the Potato: Gently place the sweet potato in the hole, ensuring the sprouts are facing upwards.
- Cover with Soil: Cover the potato with soil and gently pat it down.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the newly planted sweet potato deeply.
- Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the initial establishment period.
- Weed Regularly: Control weeds around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and sunlight.
Potential Drawbacks of Planting a Whole Potato
- Lower Yield: Whole potatoes may produce fewer plants compared to using slips.
- Rotting Risk: The whole potato can sometimes rot in the ground before it has a chance to fully establish itself, especially in poorly drained soil.
- Space Requirements: The entire potato takes up considerable space in the garden.
Creating Sweet Potato Slips: A More Efficient Approach
The preferred method for growing sweet potatoes involves propagating slips. This allows you to start multiple plants from a single potato, leading to a larger harvest. Here’s a quick overview:
- Suspend the Potato: Suspend the sweet potato in a jar of water, ensuring the bottom half is submerged. You can use toothpicks inserted around the middle of the potato to hold it in place.
- Wait for Sprouts: Place the jar in a warm, sunny location. Within a few weeks, sprouts will begin to emerge from the potato.
- Remove and Root Slips: Once the sprouts are 6-8 inches long, gently twist them off the potato. Place the slips in a jar of water to develop roots, which usually takes a week or two.
- Plant the Rooted Slips: Once the slips have a good root system, they can be planted directly into the garden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting Too Early: Sweet potatoes are sensitive to frost. Wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting.
- Poor Drainage: Sweet potatoes need well-drained soil to prevent rotting. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter.
- Insufficient Sunlight: Ensure the plants receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Overwatering: While consistent moisture is important, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Neglecting Weeds: Keep the garden free of weeds to prevent competition for resources.
Sweet Potato Variety Considerations
Different sweet potato varieties have varying growth habits and yields. Some are better suited for certain climates or soil types. Researching the specific varieties suitable for your region is crucial for optimal results.
| Variety | Flesh Color | Skin Color | Days to Maturity | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beauregard | Orange | Rose | 90-100 | High-yielding, disease-resistant |
| Jewel | Orange | Copper | 100-120 | Sweet flavor, stores well |
| Centennial | Orange | Orange | 90-100 | Early maturing, good for shorter growing seasons |
| White Delight | White | Tan | 100-110 | Sweet and nutty flavor |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if the sweet potato rots after I plant it whole?
If the sweet potato rots, the developing shoots may still survive if they have already established roots in the soil. However, the rotting potato deprives the young plants of a valuable source of energy and nutrients, potentially hindering their growth and reducing yield.
How deep should I plant the whole sweet potato?
Plant the sweet potato deep enough so the top of the potato is just below the soil surface. This allows the sprouts to easily emerge while providing adequate coverage for the potato itself.
Can I plant a sweet potato that has only a few small sprouts?
Yes, you can, but it will likely take longer for the plant to establish, and you may get fewer slips. Larger, more developed sprouts are ideal.
What kind of soil is best for planting sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soil. The soil should be loose and friable to allow the roots to easily expand. Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
How often should I water the planted sweet potato?
Water deeply after planting, and then keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water more frequently during hot, dry weather. Reduce watering as the plants mature.
How long does it take to harvest sweet potatoes after planting?
Sweet potatoes typically take 90-120 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. You’ll know they’re ready to harvest when the vines begin to yellow and die back.
Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be grown in large containers (at least 20 gallons) filled with well-draining potting mix. Choose a bush-type variety for better results.
Do sweet potatoes need fertilizer?
Sweet potatoes benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied at planting and again a few weeks later. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of tuber development.
What pests and diseases affect sweet potatoes?
Common pests include sweet potato weevils, aphids, and flea beetles. Diseases include stem rot and scurf. Use preventative measures like crop rotation and disease-resistant varieties.
Can I plant a sweet potato from the grocery store?
You can plant a sweet potato from the grocery store, but be aware that some commercially sold sweet potatoes are treated with growth inhibitors to prevent sprouting. Organic sweet potatoes are usually a better choice.
What is the best time of year to plant sweet potatoes?
Plant sweet potatoes in the late spring or early summer, after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 65°F (18°C).
How do I cure sweet potatoes after harvesting?
Curing sweet potatoes is essential for extending their storage life. After harvesting, brush off excess soil and place the potatoes in a warm (80-85°F), humid (85-90% humidity) environment for 7-10 days. This process allows the skins to thicken and heal any minor wounds, preventing rot.