Can You Plant a Whole Sweet Potato? A Guide to Growing Your Own Slips
Yes, you can plant a whole sweet potato, but it’s generally more effective to grow sweet potato slips (rooted sprouts) from the potato and then plant the slips. This method maximizes your chances of success and provides a head start for your sweet potato plants.
Sweet Potato Propagation: An Introduction
Sweet potatoes are a warm-season crop prized for their delicious and nutritious tubers. Unlike regular potatoes which grow from seed potatoes (modified stems with eyes), sweet potatoes are typically grown from slips. While planting an entire sweet potato is possible, it’s not the most efficient approach. Understanding why we favor slips starts with understanding sweet potato biology. They are true roots and lack the distinct “eyes” that seed potatoes possess.
Why Grow Sweet Potato Slips?
Growing slips offers several advantages over planting a whole sweet potato:
- Increased Yield: Slips allow for multiple plants to be grown from a single sweet potato. A single sweet potato can produce numerous slips.
- Faster Growth: Slips are already rooted, giving them a head start compared to a whole potato, which first needs to develop roots.
- Reduced Disease Risk: Starting with healthy slips minimizes the risk of introducing soilborne diseases to your garden.
- Easier Handling: Slips are easier to plant and handle than bulky sweet potatoes.
- Observation: Growing slips lets you observe the health of the plant before you plant it in the garden.
The Slip-Growing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to grow your own sweet potato slips:
- Choose a Healthy Sweet Potato: Select a firm, disease-free sweet potato. Organic sweet potatoes are a great choice.
- Prepare Your Sweet Potato: You can leave the sweet potato whole or cut it in half (optional, but can encourage more slips).
- Start in Water or Soil:
- Water Method: Suspend the sweet potato in a jar or glass of water, with the bottom half submerged. Use toothpicks to hold it in place.
- Soil Method: Bury the sweet potato halfway in a container filled with moist potting mix.
- Provide Warmth and Light: Place the container in a warm, sunny location (ideally 75-85°F or 24-29°C).
- Maintain Moisture: Keep the water level consistent or the soil consistently moist.
- Wait for Slips to Sprout: Slips will start to emerge from the sweet potato after a few weeks.
- Harvest the Slips: Once the slips are 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long and have several leaves, gently twist or cut them off the sweet potato.
- Root the Slips: Place the slips in a jar of water, ensuring the bottom portion of the stem is submerged. New roots should appear within a few days.
- Plant the Rooted Slips: Once the slips have developed a good root system, they are ready to be transplanted into your garden.
Planting Sweet Potatoes Directly
While not the most common practice, it is possible to plant a whole sweet potato. However, success depends on several factors:
- Soil Conditions: The soil must be well-draining and fertile.
- Climate: Sweet potatoes need warm temperatures to thrive.
- Moisture: Consistent moisture is crucial for root development.
- Pest Control: Protect the sweet potato from pests that might damage it.
If you choose to plant a whole sweet potato, bury it horizontally about 4 inches deep in a well-prepared garden bed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Diseased Potatoes: Always start with healthy, disease-free sweet potatoes.
- Insufficient Warmth: Sweet potatoes need warm temperatures to sprout and grow.
- Overwatering: Avoid waterlogging the soil, which can lead to rot.
- Planting Too Early: Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting slips in the garden.
- Neglecting Pest Control: Protect your sweet potato plants from pests like sweet potato weevils.
Comparing Methods: Slips vs. Whole Potato Planting
| Feature | Growing Slips | Planting Whole Potato |
|---|---|---|
| Yield | Higher – multiple slips from one potato | Lower – only one potential plant |
| Growth Rate | Faster – slips already have roots | Slower – potato needs to develop roots first |
| Disease Risk | Lower – healthy slips reduce risk | Higher – potential for disease if potato is infected |
| Ease of Use | Easier – slips are easier to handle and plant | More Difficult – Potato is cumbersome to handle |
| Control | More Control – Ability to observe slip health before planting | Less Control – Unknown if the potato will sprout properly |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought sweet potatoes to grow slips?
Yes, you can use store-bought sweet potatoes, but be aware that some may be treated to prevent sprouting. Organic sweet potatoes are a better choice as they are less likely to be treated. Give it a try – you never know what you might end up with.
How long does it take for slips to grow?
Slips typically start to emerge within 2-4 weeks, depending on temperature and humidity. Be patient, as it can take longer under less-than-ideal conditions.
What is the best time to plant sweet potato slips?
The best time to plant sweet potato slips is after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 65°F (18°C). In most regions, this is late spring or early summer. The plant requires a warm climate to properly develop.
How much space do sweet potato plants need?
Sweet potato plants need plenty of space to spread. Plant slips 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart in rows that are 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) apart. Ample space ensures proper vine growth and tuber development.
What kind of soil is best for sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage. This will allow the tubers to properly develop.
How often should I water sweet potato plants?
Water sweet potato plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Moisture is crucial for tuber development.
Do sweet potato plants need fertilizer?
Sweet potato plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. High nitrogen levels can promote excessive vine growth at the expense of tuber development. Use a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-10-10. Nutrients are necessary for optimal growth.
How do I prevent sweet potato weevils?
Sweet potato weevils are a common pest that can damage sweet potato tubers. Practice crop rotation, use row covers, and inspect plants regularly for signs of infestation. Introduce beneficial nematodes to the soil to help control weevil populations. Early detection is key to preventing widespread damage.
When are sweet potatoes ready to harvest?
Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest 90-120 days after planting. The vines will start to turn yellow and die back. Harvest before the first frost. A late frost can damage the tubers.
How do I store sweet potatoes after harvest?
Cure sweet potatoes for 7-10 days in a warm, humid place (80-85°F or 27-29°C, 85-90% humidity) to harden the skins and improve storage life. Store cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place (55-60°F or 13-16°C) for several months. Proper curing is essential for long-term storage.
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) to accommodate the root system. Use a well-draining potting mix and provide plenty of sunlight. Container gardening can be a great option for those with limited space.
Are sweet potato leaves edible?
Yes, sweet potato leaves are edible and nutritious. They can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. Harvest young, tender leaves for the best flavor. Sweet potato leaves are a delicious and versatile addition to your diet.