Our land conceals the most precious treasures we have ever imagined. If you dig enough, you will find something with smooth, yellow, orange, red, brown, purple, or beige-colored exteriors, with white, red, pink, violet, yellow, orange, or purple interiors. If you think they might be crystals or gemstones, you’re close (They are just as valuable!). They are root crops, specifically sweet potatoes, with distinctively colored cultivars.
Get ready to unearth a world of vibrant flavors and hues that will dazzle your senses and transform how you perceive one of the Earth's most extraordinary root crops.
Table of Contents
Before we discuss planting and growing sweet potatoes, let’s satisfy our sweet tooth and discuss ways to eat sweet potatoes.
Various Ways To Prepare and Eat Sweet Potatoes
Growing up in the South, sweet potatoes were always a meal staple. Spoiler alert, My mother-in-law makes the best sweet potato pies on earth. I’m not sharing. Therefore, you’ll have to take my word for it.
In African and Asian countries, sweet potatoes are also very popular as street food because they are nutritious and filling. They are often served boiled, roasted, steamed, fried, or as desserts. Although this root crop is an excellent source of fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, you must observe caution in consuming it, especially for those with diabetes, because it has a medium to high glycemic index.
Now that you know how nutritious they are let us dig deep into the secrets of growing the best sweet potatoes by going through this in-depth guide especially made for you!
Planting Sweet Potatoes in Your Garden
First of all, you need to purchase your seeds, right? Wrong! Forget about buying seeds; they don't exist. You can only grow sweet potatoes from sweet potato slips. You can purchase slips or produce your own.
Purchasing Sweet Potato Slips
Get good slips from trusted garden centers or farmers. Let them soak in water daily to get their roots perked up.
Timing is everything! Have your slips delivered at the right time – about three to four weeks after the last spring frost or when the soil gets warm (around 65°F or 18°C). Plant them early enough, so they have time to grow, but not too early to avoid any late frosts that could harm them.
How To Grow Sweet Potato Slips
I have successfully produced sweet potato slips in two ways:
Method 1 – Cut the sweet potato in half, ensuring both halves have some flesh left on each side. Take a glass of water and place the sweet potato halves, cut side down, into the water. Toothpicks can be inserted into the sweet potato halves to suspend them in the water. Find a warm spot with indirect sunlight and change the water every week to prevent bacteria growth.
In 1-2 weeks, you will notice tiny shoots will start forming and white roots forming from the bottom of the sweet potato halves. I typically wait until the slips are about 4+ inches and have foliage leaves; you can safely snip or break off the slips. You can place the newly snipped slips in water to produce roots or directly sow them in the ground.
I use both of these options depending on two scenarios. For example, If I start my gardening prep early, like in February, I will always place the slips in water to produce roots. This buys me a couple more weeks of time because the ground is too cold or I have a backlog of chores. Benefit: When I plant the slips, they have a healthy root system and can “take a hold,” as the old southern farmers and gardeners used to say. Meaning it is able to survive and flourish because the root system is in place. A time saver for those with shorter growing seasons.
However, If I am late in my gardening prep, I will directly sow the slips (without roots) in the ground and water heavily. Note root hormones will also aid in this process. Benefit: save an extra step and time planting, but the plant will spend 1-2 weeks developing roots.
Method 2 – Plant half of the sweet potato in the ground or a container. The potato will develop slips in 1-2 weeks. Sometimes, the slips will have roots. Similarly to method 1, you can directly plant sweet potato slips in the ground. Method 2 is excellent if you have a long growing season or don’t have a greenhouse, or plan to grow rows of sweet potatoes.
Earlier this year I used method #2 and planted several sweet potatoes in the container bed I planned to grow my sweet potatoes in. As mentioned, after the slips were produced, some had roots, and some didn’t. I directly planted all the slips I removed from the potatoes. All of them flourished very well.
This may be my go-to method as it saves space in my grow room but hey, no promises. So, if you see future videos of me growing sweet potato slips, it simply means I have space and time.
Growing Conditions for Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes grow best in sandy soil, but no worries if you have clay or rocky soil! Just grow sweet potatoes in raised beds. Choose a sunny spot and dig holes about 8 to 10 inches deep. Put some compost and perlite in there for extra nutrients. Avoid using solid fertilizers or animal manure that can harm the roots. Cover the holes and create raised mounds about 6 to 8 inches high and 12 inches wide, spaced a foot apart.
Once your sweet potato slips are planted, it's time to give them some extra love and care to ensure a bountiful harvest! After planting, please boost them by spraying them with a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus. This nutrient will support their early growth and help them establish strong roots. Water them generously for the first ten days to ensure they have enough moisture to settle in comfortably.
Maintain regular watering as the season progresses, but pay extra attention during dry and hot periods. Deep watering during these times can significantly increase the yield of your sweet potatoes and keep them thriving. However, as the season starts winding down, it's essential to reduce watering to avoid any skin cracking on your sweet potatoes. The leaves from from 12 to 18 inches tall and some people use sweet potato leaves in culinary dishes.
Around three to four weeks after planting, it's time for some side-dressing action! Give your sweet potato slips a nutrient boost by applying a 5-10-10 fertilizer. If you have sandy soil, more of this fertilizer will do wonders. This additional dose of nutrients will keep your sweet potatoes nourished and encourage healthy growth throughout the season. These plants are easy to grow, and sweet potatoes are not heavy feeders.
The Best Soil for Growing Sweet Potatoes
Before planting, conduct a soil test to ensure your soil's pH and nutrient levels are suitable. Organic matter can be incorporated to improve soil fertility. Georgia Jet and other sweet potato varieties favor warm weather, so waiting until after the last frost to plant them in your garden bed is essential. Starting them in large containers or grow bags can be a good idea to extend the growing season in cooler climates.
Consider using black plastic mulch to optimize soil temperature and deter weed growth. This not only warms the soil but also conserves moisture. Sweet potato vines are heavy feeders, so providing them with an inch of water per week during the growing season is essential, especially during dry spells. Ensure good drainage to prevent fungal diseases and sweet potato weevils. Row covers can also protect against flea beetles.
The curing process, which involves keeping harvested sweet potatoes at high humidity and warm temperatures for about a week, is crucial for enhancing their sweetness and storability. Afterward, store them in a cool, dark place.
Growing sweet potatoes in large containers or raised beds with loose soil can extend the growing season for home gardeners in areas with a shorter growing season or colder temperatures. Be vigilant and cover them with row covers when there's a danger of frost.
In warmer regions, where sweet potatoes are a staple, local farmers and garden centers often carry sweet potato slips, making starting your sweet potato patch easier. With the right soil, sun, and care, you can enjoy pounds of sweet potatoes harvested from your own garden, savoring the taste of South America's true yam with every bite.
Sweet Potato: Care and Maintenance
As your sweet potato plants grow, keeping a close eye on them and tending to their needs is essential. About two weeks after planting, weed the sweet potato beds regularly. However, be gentle when weeding to avoid disturbing the delicate roots.
Caution: Avoid using hoes or deep digging tools that could harm the plant's root system. Additionally, resist the temptation to trim the vines, even if they seem to thrive. Pruning the vines can hinder their growth and reduce your harvest, so let them succeed naturally.
While caring for your sweet potatoes, watch out for signs of potential diseases.
- If you notice yellow, puckered leaves and wilting vines, your plants might be infected with Fusarium wilt, a fungal disease.
- Another disease called white rust can show as white, chalk-like blisters and yellow-green spots on the leaves.
What to do: If you spot any of these symptoms, act quickly to avoid the fungi from spreading to other plants. Remove and destroy the infected plants to protect the rest of your crop.
Another potential pest to be mindful of is the flea beetle. These pesky insects can leave numerous tiny holes in the leaves of your sweet potato plants. Use row covers as a protective barrier to shield your plants from these invaders. These covers will keep the flea beetles at bay and help your sweet potatoes grow healthy and strong.
By being attentive to your sweet potato patch and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure a successful and fruitful harvest of these delightful tubers. So let us go forward to the next section, which will discuss how to harvest your sweet potatoes!
Harvesting Sweet Potatoes
Are you ready for a generous harvest? After patiently waiting about 100 days after planting, you'll notice a significant change in your sweet potato plants. This sign is evident that it’s ready to harvest. The leaves and the ends of the vines will turn yellow, signaling that it's time for the sweet potatoes to be harvested! But hold on – before you start, remember not to damage the delicate roots of the plants during the process.
How To Harvest:
- Trim away some of the vines to make it easier to access the potaotes.
- carefully loosen the soil around each plant o a depth of about 6 inches and a radius of 18 inches. This will give you the space to gently pull out the sweet potatoes without harming them.
- Once you have prepared the area, grasp the primary crown of the plant.
- Gently lift it from the soil.
- Carefully dig up the sweet potato roots by hand or use a garden fork.
10 Easy Steps To Cure Sweet Potatoes
There are several methods to cure sweet potatoes, which involves exposing them to warm temperatures and high humidity for a certain period of time to enhance their sweetness and shelf life. Here's a step-by-step guide on how I cure sweet potatoes:
1. Harvest: Dig up the sweet potatoes from the ground or in my case, container and carefully, avoiding any scratches or injuries to the skin.
2. Cleaning: Gently brush off the loose dirt or soil from the sweet potatoes. Do not wash them at this stage as moisture can lead to spoilage during the curing process.
3. Drying: Allow the sweet potatoes to dry in a shaded area for a few hours. This will help the skin to toughen, reducing the risk of disease.
4. Curing container: Find a curing container such as a large, well-ventilated cardboard box or a wire mesh basket. Ensure it has enough space for air circulation and can maintain high humidity.
5. Preheat: Before placing the sweet potatoes in the curing container, preheat it to a temperature between 80-85°F (27-29°C). This can be done by using a heat lamp or placing a space heater nearby.
6. Arrangement: Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the curing container. Avoid overcrowding to allow for adequate airflow.
7. Curing process: Place the container in a warm location with high humidity, ideally around 85-90%. You can achieve this by using a humidifier, misting the sweet potatoes with water, or placing a tray of water nearby.
8. Monitor: Throughout the curing process, check the sweet potatoes regularly for any signs of softness, rot, or disease. Remove any damaged ones to prevent spoiling the others.
9. Duration: Cure the sweet potatoes for about 10-14 days. The longer they cure, the sweeter they will become.
10. After curing: Once the curing process is complete, gently wipe off any excess moisture from the sweet potatoes and place them in a cool, dry location for storage. They can be stored for several months if stored properly.
Did You Know: Curing is an optional step and depends on personal preference. If you prefer a less sweet and more starchy flavor, you can skip the curing process and use the sweet potatoes right after harvesting.
How To Store Sweet Potatoes?
After harvesting, do not wash sweet potatoes with water; shake off the excess dirt. Cure the roots in a warm place (about 80°F) with relatively high humidity. Space them so that they do not touch each other.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables, but they belong to different plant families and have distinct characteristics in appearance, taste, nutritional content, and culinary uses.
After 10 to 14 days, separate the good sweet potatoes from the bruised ones. Wrap the healthy ones in a newspaper, pack them in a wooden basket, then store them in a cellar. They should last 6 months in a warm (about 60°F) and highly humid place.
6 Differences Between Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
Botanical Differences:
- Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) belong to the nightshade family and are related to tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
- Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) belong to the morning glory family and are not closely related to regular potatoes.
Appearance:
- Potatoes typically have brown, tan, or red skin with white, yellow, or occasionally purple flesh.
- Sweet potatoes come in various colors, such as orange, purple, and white. The skin can be brown, tan, or purple, while the flesh can range from creamy white to vibrant orange or purple.
Taste and Texture:
- Potatoes have a mild, neutral flavor and a starchy texture that can vary from waxy (such as red potatoes) to fluffy (such as russet potatoes).
- Sweet potatoes have a sweeter and richer flavor with a creamy and slightly fibrous texture when cooked.
Sweet Potato Nutritional Content:
- Regular potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, mainly starch, and provide vitamins like vitamin C and B6. They are also relatively low in calories.
- Sweet potatoes are not only a source of carbohydrates but also contain more dietary fiber and are rich in vitamins A and C and minerals like potassium and manganese. The deep orange varieties are exceptionally high in beta-carotene, converted to vitamin A in the body.
Culinary Uses:
- Potatoes are widely used in various dishes, such as mashed potatoes, fries, chips, and baked potatoes. They can be cooked in many ways due to their versatility.
- Sweet potatoes are often used in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be roasted, mashed, baked, or turned into fries. Sweet potato pies, casseroles, and soups are famous, highlighting their natural sweetness.
Cooking Considerations:
- Potatoes are typically cooked before eating, as they can be toxic when raw due to a naturally occurring chemical called solanine.
- Sweet potatoes are safe to eat, both raw and cooked. When cooked, their natural sugars caramelize and enhance their sweetness.
What Vairietes of Sweet Potatoes Can I Grow In My Garden?
Depending on the variety, some sweet potatoes need 90 days to reach maturity, while others take up to 120 days. This means some sweet potato varieties can be harvested after 90 days of planting, while others may require up to 120 days before fully mature and ready for harvesting. Gardeners need to consider the specific variety they are growing and the estimated time to maturity to plan their cultivation schedule and harvest at the appropriate time.
| Number of days till harvest | Variety | Color of Flesh | Color of Skin |
| 90 | Beauregard | Dark red | Deep orange |
| Georgia Jet | Deep orange | Red | |
| 100 | Centennial | Orange | Orange |
| White Yam | White | Brown | |
| 110 | Vardaman | Red-orange | Golden |
| Bush Porto Rico | Light red | Copper | |
| 120 | Stokes | Purple | Purple |
| Yellow Jewel | Orange | Copper |
Can you grow sweet potatoes in containers?
Yes, I have grown my sweet potatoes in containers for the past two years. Albeit large, but containers, nevertheless. I'm sure you can use a large tote or raised bed. But here's my story. I was at Habitat For Humanities browsing around and saw two small plastic pond reservoirs (each holds about 45-65 gallons).
One of them had a hole. I purchased both for a total of $15.00. I thought of using them for planting food, but I wasn't sure what I would plant. Then I had a lightbulb moment. Sweet potatoes. I enjoy the containers because, during harvest, I don't damage the root with a garden fork. Each year I dump the soil onto a tarp and amend the soil with compost from my bins and start all over.
Here's a TikTok video of my sweet potatos in containers
Frequently Asked Questions – How To Grow Sweet Potatoes
Are sweet potatoes ‘potatoes?’
No, they are not. Sweet potatoes belong to the family of morning glory, while potatoes belong to the nightshade family. Sweet potatoes are also the plant's tuberous root, while potatoes are the true tubers.
Can I grow a sweet potato vine from a store bought sweet potato?
Yes, you can grow a sweet potato vine from a store-bought sweet potato. It is actually quite easy to do so. Choose a sweet potato that has not been sprayed with any chemicals or treated with growth inhibitors. Typically your natural food or whole food stores will have a good variety.
How long does it take for sweet potatoes to grow?
On average, it takes approximately 90 to 170 days for sweet potatoes to reach maturity and become ready for harvest.
Can I grow sweet potatoes from a sweet potato?
Yes, you can absolutely grow sweet potatoes from a sweet potato! In fact, it's one of the easiest ways to start your sweet potato plants. But remember, it starts with slips.
Conclusion
Whew! We dug deep into the secrets of the best garden-grown sweet potatoes. Here’s a recap:
- Perfect timing is essential. Your slips should be planted soon enough to have enough time to grow but not soon enough to get destroyed by frost.
- Watering is necessary. Know when the plants need less or more water.
- Proper care is needed. Remove weeds and insects that could destroy the plant.
- Harvesting the goal. When leaves and vines become yellow, they are ready for harvest. Follow the guide so that you can have the best sweet potatoes to harvest.
Our land conceals the most precious treasures we have ever imagined. For us gardeners, our plants and crops are our treasures, and we at Omaha Gardener are here to guide you in the right direction where you can dig deep. Happy digging, gardener!
Looking for more food to grow? Check out this post on the 6 most cost effective veggies to grow. It compliments this article very well.
