How to Grow a Sweet Potato Plant: A Delicious Journey from Slip to Harvest

I’m thrilled to share my knowledge and passion for growing these delectable tubers. Sweet potatoes are not only nutritious and versatile in the kitchen, but they’re also incredibly rewarding to grow. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your bountiful crop.

The first step in your sweet potato growing journey is choosing the right variety. Here are some popular options:

1. Beauregard: A high-yielding variety with orange flesh, perfect for first-time growers.
2. Jewel: Known for its copper skin and orange flesh, with excellent disease resistance.
3. Centennial: An early-maturing variety with great flavor and storage qualities.
4. Purple sweet potatoes: Varieties like Okinawan or Stokes Purple offer unique color and flavor.

I’ve had great success with Beauregard in my garden, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.

Sweet potatoes are typically grown from “slips” – small sprouts that emerge from a mature sweet potato. Here’s how to create your own:

1. Select a healthy, organic sweet potato from the grocery store or a gardening center.
2. Clean the sweet potato and cut it in half lengthwise.
3. Fill a jar with water and suspend the sweet potato halves in the water, cut side down, using toothpicks.
4. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and change the water every few days.
5. After 2-3 weeks, you’ll see sprouts emerging from the top of the sweet potato.
6. Once the sprouts reach 4-6 inches in length, gently twist them off the potato.
7. Place the removed sprouts in a glass of water to encourage root development.

I find this process fascinating, and it’s a great way to engage children in gardening.

While your slips are developing, it’s time to prepare your garden bed:

1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
2. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches.
3. Mix in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
4. Create raised mounds or rows about 8-10 inches high to improve drainage.

In my experience, sweet potatoes thrive in loose, fertile soil, so don’t skimp on bed preparation.

Once your slips have developed roots and the danger of frost has passed, it’s planting time:

1. Space your mounds or rows 3-4 feet apart.
2. Plant slips 12-18 inches apart within each row.
3. Bury each slip up to its leaves, ensuring good soil contact.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

I like to plant on a cloudy day or in the evening to reduce transplant shock.

Now that your sweet potatoes are in the ground, here’s how to nurture them:

1. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for 1 inch of water per week.
2. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Fertilize sparingly – too much nitrogen can lead to lush vines but small tubers.
4. Train vines to stay within your designated growing area.

One of my favorite aspects of growing sweet potatoes is watching the beautiful vines spread and fill in the garden space.

Sweet potatoes are generally hardy, but they can face some challenges:

1. Rotate crops to prevent soil-borne diseases.
2. Monitor for common pests like sweet potato weevils or wireworms.
3. Use row covers to protect young plants from insect damage.
4. Practice good garden hygiene to prevent fungal diseases.

In my years of growing sweet potatoes, I’ve found that a healthy, well-maintained plant is your best defense against pests and diseases.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for – harvest time! Here’s what you need to know:

1. Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest 90-120 days after planting.
2. Look for signs like yellowing leaves or splitting of the soil around the plant.
3. Gently dig around the plant with a garden fork to unearth your tubers.
4. Be careful not to bruise or cut the sweet potatoes during harvest.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of unearthing your first sweet potato harvest!

To ensure the best flavor and longest storage life, proper curing is essential:

1. Brush off excess soil, but don’t wash the sweet potatoes.
2. Place them in a warm (80-85°F), humid (80-90% humidity) area for 7-10 days.
3. After curing, store in a cool (55-60°F), dark place for up to 6 months.

I’ve found that a well-cured sweet potato not only stores better but also develops a richer, sweeter flavor.

Now that you’ve successfully grown and harvested your sweet potatoes, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some of my favorite ways to use sweet potatoes:

1. Roasted with herbs and olive oil
2. Mashed with butter and cinnamon
3. Baked into a classic sweet potato pie
4. Sliced into crispy oven-baked fries

The possibilities are endless, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cooking with produce you’ve grown yourself.

Read also: https://plantgrowup.com/how-to-grow-blueberry-plants/

Growing sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience that combines the joys of gardening with the delights of homegrown, nutritious food. From nurturing those first slips to savoring your harvest, every step of the process offers opportunities for learning and enjoyment.

As you embark on your sweet potato growing adventure, remember that gardening is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Embrace the process, learn from any challenges you encounter, and most importantly, have fun!

With the knowledge and tips shared in this guide, you’re well-equipped to start your sweet potato growing journey. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands in the soil, and prepare to experience the satisfaction of growing your own delicious sweet potatoes. Happy gardening!

How long does it take to grow sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes typically take 90-120 days from planting to harvest.

Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?

Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes in large containers or grow bags, but they may produce smaller tubers.

Do sweet potatoes need full sun?

Yes, sweet potatoes thrive in full sun, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How often should I water my sweet potato plants?

Water your sweet potato plants regularly, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

Can I eat sweet potato leaves?

Yes, sweet potato leaves are edible and nutritious. They can be cooked similarly to spinach or other leafy greens.

Read also: https://plantgrowup.com/how-to-grow-asparagus-plants/