What Is a Sweet Potato Slip and How to Grow It Successfully
What Is a Sweet Potato Slip?
A sweet potato slip is a sprouted tuber that can be removed from the seed potato and planted in a garden bed.
These sprouts will grow roots and leaves, and when they have several leaves and roots attached, they are ready to be detached from the tuber.
Each tuber can produce at least 6 healthy slips, and each slip will mature into a plant that produces an average of 6 tubers.
Key Points:
- A sweet potato slip is a sprouted tuber that can be planted in a garden bed.
- The sprouts will grow roots and leaves and can be detached from the tuber when they have several leaves and roots.
- Each tuber can produce at least 6 healthy slips.
- Each slip will mature into a plant that produces an average of 6 tubers.
Did You Know?
1. Sweet potato slips are not actually related to potatoes. They are not tubers like regular potatoes; instead, they are vine cuttings that grow into new sweet potato plants.
2. Sweet potato slips are commonly used in vegetable gardening as a way to propagate new plants. These slips are sprouts that emerge from a mature sweet potato, and they can be easily rooted to grow into a new plant.
3. The term “slip” comes from the old English word “slippar,” which means a young, slender shoot or twig. This term perfectly describes the delicate and slender nature of sweet potato slips.
4. Sweet potato slips are typically started indoors under controlled conditions before being transplanted into the garden. This process begins by submerging the lower half or two-thirds of a sweet potato in a jar of water, allowing the slips to emerge from the top.
5. Despite being called “sweet potatoes,” slips actually belong to the morning glory family, scientifically known as Convolvulaceae. These plants are closely related to other flowering vines like morning glories and bindweeds, rather than being a part of the nightshade family like regular potatoes.
What Is A Sweet Potato Slip?
A sweet potato slip is a sprouted tuber that can be removed from the seed potato and planted in a garden bed. The sprouts will grow roots and leaves, and when they have several leaves and roots attached, they are ready to be slipped off the tuber. It is important to have extra seed potatoes because sometimes the slips break during removal.
The slips are the starting point for growing sweet potatoes, as they will eventually develop into mature plants that produce tubers. Each tuber can produce at least 6 healthy slips, and each slip will mature into a plant that, on average, produces 6 tubers.
- Sweet potato slips are sprouted tubers that can be removed from the seed potato and planted.
- The slips grow roots and leaves before they are ready to be separated from the tuber.
- Having extra seed potatoes is important in case the slips break during removal.
- The slips will eventually develop into mature plants that produce tubers.
- Each tuber can produce at least 6 healthy slips, and each slip will produce an average of 6 tubers.
Planting Sweet Potato Slips In The Garden
To successfully grow sweet potatoes, it is crucial to select the right location in your garden. The vines have an extensive vining habit, so it is important to choose an area where the vines can extend at least 4 feet from the main plant in every direction. This ensures sufficient space for the plant to grow and spread out.
When planting sweet potato slips, make sure the last frost date has passed. If it has, the slips can be planted directly in the garden. However, if the last frost date is still approaching, it is recommended to plant the slips in pots indoors. This will allow them to continue growing until it is safe to transplant them outside.
When planting the slips, it is advised to space them 1 foot apart to ensure adequate room for growth. Depending on the available space, an 18-foot row or smaller rows may be needed. Additionally, using black landscape fabric can help prevent weeds and squirrels from interfering with the growth of the sweet potatoes. You may also consider placing stakes to mark the location of each plant, making it easier to keep track of their growth.
How To Determine The Number Of Slips And Seed Potatoes Needed
Before starting the planting process, it is essential to determine how many slips and seed potatoes are needed. This calculation can be done easily. Each sweet potato plant will produce at least 6 healthy slips, so consider how many plants you want to grow.
Additionally, each slip will mature into a plant that, on average, produces 6 tubers. Depending on your desired yield, consider how many tubers you would like to harvest. Multiply the number of tubers by the number of slips per plant to calculate the total number of slips needed.
Remember to account for some slips potentially breaking during removal, so it is always wise to have extra seed potatoes on hand.
- Determine the number of slips and seed potatoes needed before starting the planting process.
- Each sweet potato plant produces at least 6 healthy slips.
- Consider the desired number of plants and tubers for your yield calculation.
- Multiply the number of tubers by the number of slips per plant to calculate the total slips needed.
- Account for potential slip breakage during removal.
- Have extra seed potatoes on hand to compensate.
Growing And Harvesting Sweet Potatoes
When growing sweet potatoes, it is essential to provide them with the right conditions to thrive. Ensure the vines have adequate space to grow and spread out to at least 4 feet in every direction. This will allow the plants to develop and produce a bountiful harvest.
To harvest sweet potatoes successfully, follow these steps:
- Cut away the vines once they have completed their growth cycle.
- Using a trowel or shovel, carefully dig around the base of the plant to expose the tubers.
- Gently lift the tubers out of the ground and place them to the side.
- Be mindful that sweet potato skins are delicate and can be easily scratched.
- Allow the potatoes to dry before gently rubbing off any excess soil.
Following these steps will help you successfully harvest your sweet potatoes while taking care of the tubers.
Curing And Storing Sweet Potatoes
After harvesting your sweet potatoes, it is essential to cure them before storing. Curing allows the sweet potatoes to develop their natural sugars and enhances their flavor and storage capabilities.
To cure the sweet potatoes, place them in a well-ventilated, warm location at a constant temperature of 75°F to 80°F for approximately 10 days. This process allows the sweet potatoes to heal any minor injuries sustained during harvesting and further develop their flavor.
Finally, once the curing process is complete, transfer the sweet potatoes to a room with a temperature of about 60°F to 65°F for long-term storage. Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated and kept away from direct sunlight.
By following these guidelines for growing, harvesting, and storing sweet potatoes, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest and enjoy these delicious tubers throughout the year.
Remember to:
- Keep track of the slips and seed potatoes needed
- Follow proper curing and storage practices to maximize flavor and shelf life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many sweet potatoes in a slip?
Each slip has the potential to yield approximately 6 sweet potatoes when fully grown. After about 6 weeks, the sprouts are ready to be separated from the tubers, and planting typically begins in Central Virginia after the last frost date, usually in the third week of May.
How to make white sweet potato slips?
To produce white sweet potato slips, start by selecting a white sweet potato. Cut the white sweet potato in half lengthwise and place each half, cut side down, into a container filled with damp potting soil. Ensure that the container has drainage holes to keep the slips moist but not waterlogged. Keep the container in a warm and well-lit area, and within a few days, shoots should begin to sprout from the sweet potato halves. Once the shoots are between 4 and 8 inches tall, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors, where they will continue to grow into healthy white sweet potato plants.
Are sweet potato slips purple?
Yes, sweet potato slips can be purple in color. These purple sweet potato slips are essentially rooted cuttings of the potato vine, making them convenient to plant directly into your vegetable garden. To obtain these slips, you can look for purple sweet potatoes, preferably organic, at your nearest grocery store or farmers’ market.
How long is a sweet potato slip?
After approximately 6 to 8 weeks of growth, sweet potato slips will reach a length of 6 to 12 inches, showcasing both leaves and roots. These slips, emerging from the soil with the aid of a heating mat if needed, would be ready to be removed from the sweet potatoes, ensuring their roots are intact.