Sasha CampbellSweet potatoes are easy to grow and reward you with delicious, nutritious roots. They are a great crop for gardens, raised beds, and containers.
In this article, we will discuss how to grow sweet potatoes at home. We will focus on what you need to know to plant and grow them successfully.
Let’s get started!
When to Plant Sweet Potatoes
Plant sweet potatoes after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C) [1].
In most places, this is sometime in spring. In warmer areas, you can keep planting into early summer.
Types of Sweet Potatoes
Some popular sweet potato varieties include:
- Beauregard – one of the easiest and most productive varieties.
- Covington – sweet, moist, and great for baking.
- Jewel – bright orange flesh with excellent flavor.
- Centennial – reliable and good for home gardens.
- Porto Rico – grows well in warm climates and containers.
Growing Sweet Potatoes from Slips
Unlike many vegetables, sweet potatoes are not usually grown from seeds. Instead, they are grown from young shoots called slips.
To grow sweet potatoes from slips, sprout a healthy sweet potato in water or soil until it produces young shoots.
This simple method lets you grow several new sweet potato plants from just one sweet potato.
Once the slips are about 6 inches long, gently twist them off the mother potato and place them in water until the roots develop.
When the rooted slips are ready, and the soil is warm (about 65°F), plant them outdoors in loose, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.
Space them about 12 inches apart in rows and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes do not need to be hilled as they grow. In a few months, sweet potato vines will start to grow.
Growing in Containers
Growing sweet potatoes in containers is an excellent option if you have limited space.
Plant one slip in a 10-gallon container, or space slips 8 to 12 inches apart if you’re using a larger planter.
Use a good-quality potting mix that drains well. You can also add some compost for extra nutrients.
Plant the slip, gently firm the soil around it, and water it well.
Place the container outdoors in a sunny spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. If you’re growing indoors, use a very sunny window or grow lights.
Be sure to check on your plants regularly and water them when needed.
Soil
Sweet potatoes grow best in loose, sandy, well-drained soil. Heavy clay soil can make it harder for the roots to grow.
Mixing compost into the soil before planting helps improve drainage.
Sunlight
Sweet potatoes grow best in full sun. Choose a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
More sunlight usually means a better harvest.
Fertilizing
Sweet potatoes grow best when they have enough nutrients.
Use a balanced fertilizer or one that is lower in nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can make the vines grow big while the roots stay small.
Compost also helps feed the plants naturally.
Watering Needs
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and your soil.
During hot, dry weather, you may need to water more often. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
If you are growing in containers, make sure they get full sun and that the drainage holes at the bottom are kept open.
In container gardening, it’s crucial to ensure water drains easily. Otherwise, you risk overwatering and potential root rot.
Pests That Affect Sweet Potatoes
A few pests can damage your sweet potato crops.
The most common ones are flea beetles, sweet potato hornworms, whiteflies, and the sweet potato weevil [2].
Many of these pests can be managed with natural pest-control methods. Check your plants often so you can catch problems early.
Diseases That Affect Sweet Potatoes
Something else you should know before you start growing sweet potato plants is that they can be vulnerable to some common diseases.
Common plant diseases that can affect sweet potatoes include leaf/stem scab, Fusarium wilt, and black rot.
Good garden care helps prevent many diseases. Water at the base of the plant, avoid overcrowding, and remove any infected leaves as soon as you see them.
Harvesting
Most sweet potatoes are ready to harvest about 90 to 120 days after planting. Harvest them before the first fall frost, as cold weather can damage the roots.
The leaves may begin turning yellow, and the vines often slow down or start to die back.
Once you’ve determined your sweet potatoes are ready for harvest, it’s time to get to work!
Carefully dig around the root area of the plants with a shovel or spade. This will help you avoid damaging any part of the root system that’s still in the ground.
Once you’ve found a sweet potato, gently lift it from the soil by hand. Once it is out of the ground, shake off any dirt clinging to it.
Curing
Now that you’ve harvested your sweet potatoes, you’ll need to cure them. Curing helps sweet potatoes become sweeter while allowing small cuts and bruises to heal after harvest.
To cure the sweet potatoes, place them in a warm, slightly humid place for about 7 to 10 days.
Keep them out of direct sunlight while they cure. After they’ve been cured, gently brush off excess soil with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
Now they’re ready for storage!
Storing Sweet Potatoes
Store cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, dark place where the temperature stays around 55°F to 60°F.
Do not refrigerate them, as cold temperatures can affect their flavor and texture.
Properly stored sweet potatoes can last for several months. Check them every week and remove any sweet potatoes that become soft or start to rot.
Takeaway
You can enjoy the sweet rewards of growing sweet potatoes at home. Follow the tips above and monitor your plants closely as they grow.
With the right care, you’ll enjoy a healthy harvest of homegrown sweet potatoes that can last for months.
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