How Sweet Potatoes Grow: A Fascinating Journey
How Sweet Potatoes Grow?
Sweet potatoes grow through a process called sprouting.
To grow sweet potatoes at home, begin by selecting a healthy sweet potato.
Place it in a glass of water with toothpicks to hold it in place, making sure the bottom half is submerged.
Change the water every other day to prevent rotting and promote the growth of sprouts called “slips”.
Once the slips have developed leaves and roots, they can be transplanted into a larger pot with well-draining soil.
Optimal potato growth can be achieved by using a larger pot.
Harvesting sweet potatoes usually occurs after a certain time in the ground, and the taste remains the same regardless of the size of the potatoes.
However, it is important to protect the plants from frost or freeze and be aware of shorter growing seasons in certain regions to avoid crop loss.
Organic sweet potatoes can be grown by avoiding the use of sprout-preventing chemicals.
Key Points:
- Sweet potatoes grow through a process called sprouting
- To grow sweet potatoes at home, select a healthy sweet potato and place it in a glass of water with toothpicks to hold it in place
- Change the water every other day to prevent rotting and promote the growth of sprouts called “slips”
- Transplant developed slips into a larger pot with well-draining soil for optimal growth
- Harvest sweet potatoes after a certain time in the ground, regardless of size, and protect plants from frost or freeze
- Organic sweet potatoes can be grown by avoiding sprout-preventing chemicals.
Did You Know?
1. The sweet potato is not a potato at all, but a member of the morning glory family.
2. Sweet potatoes originate from Central and South America and were first domesticated over 5,000 years ago.
3. Sweet potatoes have different skin colors ranging from white, yellow, red, purple, and even pink!
4. Sweet potato plants are incredibly efficient at photosynthesis, as they can convert sunlight into energy even in low-light conditions.
5. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes continue to grow even after they are harvested. This is why they are often known as “vining” plants.
Harvesting Sweet Potatoes
Harvesting sweet potatoes is a pivotal moment in the growth process, marking the end of a long journey and the beginning of culinary delights. These delicious tuberous roots are typically ready for harvesting when the leaves start to yellow and die back.
To harvest sweet potatoes, carefully dig around the base of the plant, taking care to avoid puncturing or damaging the tubers. Gently lift them from the ground, ensuring not to bruise or scrape the skin.
Once harvested, it is crucial to handle sweet potatoes with care to prevent any unnecessary damage. Bruises and cuts in the skin can lead to spoilage, reducing their shelf life. After carefully brushing off excess dirt, allow the sweet potatoes to cure for about 10 days in a warm and well-ventilated area. This process allows the skins to harden and any minor injuries to heal, resulting in sweeter and longer-lasting tubers.
Frost Or Freeze
Sweet potatoes are highly sensitive to frost or freeze, which can spell disaster for the crop. These underground treasures prefer temperate climates, where the average temperature is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
When a sudden frost or freeze occurs, the vines and leaves of the sweet potato plant can quickly wither and die. However, the tubers beneath the ground can remain resilient if left undisturbed. It is essential to note that this resilience is possible only if the frost or freeze is brief and the ground doesn’t freeze. In such cases, it is advisable to promptly harvest the sweet potatoes to avoid rotting caused by the cold and wet conditions.
Key Points
- Sweet potatoes are highly sensitive to frost and freeze
- They prefer temperate climates with an average temperature between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit
- When a frost or freeze occurs, the vines and leaves can wither and die
- The tubers underground can remain resilient if the frost or freeze is brief and the ground doesn’t freeze
- Promptly harvest sweet potatoes in such cases to avoid rotting caused by cold and wet conditions
“Sweet potatoes are highly sensitive to frost or freeze, which can spell disaster for the crop.”
Shorter Growing Seasons
Sweet potatoes can thrive in warm weather conditions and are often associated with longer growing seasons. However, gardeners in regions with shorter growing seasons can still have success with sweet potatoes by employing a few strategies:
-
Start sweet potatoes indoors – Begin by starting sweet potatoes indoors approximately 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Plant the slips (small rooted shoots) in peat pots or biodegradable containers filled with nutrient-rich potting soil. Place them in a warm and well-lit area until the soil outside warms up and the risk of frost has passed.
-
Transplanting – Once the weather has warmed and the danger of frost has subsided, transplant the hardened-off sweet potato slips into the garden for continued growth. Be sure to prepare the soil beforehand by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage.
-
Utilize season extenders – Extend the growing season of sweet potatoes by utilizing season extenders like hoop houses or row covers. These structures can protect the plants from cold snaps, trap heat, and create a microclimate that shields the sweet potatoes from frost. Ultimately, this helps provide a longer window for the development of sweet potato tubers.
Remember, sweet potatoes can be successfully grown even in regions with shorter growing seasons by starting them indoors, transplanting them at the right time, and utilizing season extenders to protect them from the cold.
Smaller Potatoes
In some cases, gardeners may find that their sweet potatoes do not grow to their full potential, resulting in smaller tubers. This issue can be attributed to several factors, including inadequate watering, poor soil quality, overcrowding, or insufficient sunlight.
To ensure optimal growth, sweet potatoes require loose, well-draining soil with a pH level of 5.8-6.2. Loosen the soil before planting and incorporate organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve its nutrient content.
Overcrowding can stunt the growth of sweet potatoes, as they need ample space to develop their sprawling vines and tubers. When planting slips, ensure sufficient spacing of about 12-18 inches apart, allowing them enough room to spread and grow.
Inadequate sunlight can also hinder sweet potato growth. These sun-loving plants require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensuring they receive adequate light will not only promote healthy tuber development but also enhance the overall productivity of the plant.
Taste Remains The Same
Despite variations in size and shape, the taste of sweet potatoes remains a constant delight. From small, round tubers to larger and elongated ones, the flavor profile remains unchanged. The deliciously sweet and nutty taste of sweet potatoes is a result of their high sugar content, which intensifies during cooking or baking.
Whether roasted, mashed, boiled, or turned into pies and fries, the taste of sweet potatoes is always satisfying. Their versatility in both sweet and savory dishes makes them a popular choice among food enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the classic sweet potato casserole or a unique spin on a traditional recipe, you can be assured that the taste will always be exquisite.
the journey of how sweet potatoes grow is a fascinating one that involves:
- Successful harvesting
- Considerations for frost or freeze
- Coping with shorter growing seasons
- Challenges of smaller potatoes
The consistent and delightful taste they offer makes it even more rewarding. By understanding and tending to these aspects, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of their own organic sweet potatoes with remarkable taste and flavor. So, get your green thumbs ready and embark on the journey of growing these nutritious and delectable tubers in your own backyard.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sweet potatoes grow roots?
Yes, sweet potatoes do indeed grow roots. As a sweet potato begins to sprout slips, these stems also develop their own root systems. This allows for the propagation of sweet potatoes by snapping off these slips from the mother sweet potato and planting them separately. By providing the slips with proper conditions and care, they will develop into independent plants with their own robust root systems.
What do sweet potato plants look like?
Sweet potato plants display a vibrant array of colors, ranging from dark hues of black, red, and purple to bright chartreuse shades of lime and yellow greens. Their leaves come in various shapes, with options such as three-lobed, heart-shaped, or even deeply cut resembling a Japanese maple leaf. However, caution must be exercised with these self-propagating plants, as their rapid growth can lead to invasiveness in certain areas.
Is sweet potato easy to grow?
Sweet potatoes are remarkably easy to grow, regardless of whether you opt for the vining or bush variety. These versatile vegetables thrive under the scorching summer sun and require proper spacing and soil conditions to flourish. Whether you have a sprawling garden or limited space, you can easily dedicate a patch to growing sweet potatoes with satisfying results. With some basic care and attention to their specific needs, sweet potatoes will reward you with a bountiful harvest.
How long do sweet potatoes take to grow?
The growth period of sweet potatoes typically ranges from 85 to 120 days. It is advisable to monitor the root size after around 80 to 85 days to prevent overgrowth, as this can lead to splitting. To facilitate easier digging, it is recommended to cut off the vines before proceeding. Loosening the soil with a garden fork or spade will allow for a gentle lifting of the sweet potatoes to be exposed.