Sweet Potatoes . Simple name , incredibly satisfying tuber . If you ’ve never had one , reckon of it as the comfort food equivalent weight of a intimate blanket on a chilly daylight . angelical , hearty , and with a born caramelize flavor that takes any dish to the next grade . Plus , it’spacked with nutrients !
They thrive in quick soil , growing best in the summer months , and ( here ’s the kicker ) they ’re really moderately easy to grow . But before you rush out to plant them , screw that sweet Irish potato prefer loose , well - drained land — think sandy or loamy . They like space , so do n’t herd them in .
Like most garden stars , sweet-smelling tater need a small patience . It takes a few month from found to harvesting , but intrust me , it ’s deserving the wait . And once they ’re quick ? you’re able to make fun them , mash them , fry them — hell , they even make a mean Proto-Indo European .
The vine itself ? luxuriant and tight - originate , with heart - work leave of absence that spill over the edge of your garden , giving it a tropical vibe . Oh , and fun fact : The leave are eatable too , dilute with vitamin and bang-up for stir - fry .
How to Grow Sweet Potatoes
Growing perfumed potatoes is a rewarding process that requires some solitaire and aid to detail . Below is a comprehensive guide to get you started .
Planting Sweet Potatoes
Timing :
Choosing Slips :
Preparing the Soil :
Planting :
Growing Sweet Potatoes
Watering :
Mulching :
Fertilizing :
Weeding :
Harvesting Sweet Potatoes
Signs of Maturity :
Harvesting :
cure :
Storage :
Sweet Potatoes Growing Zone
Sweet potatoes expand in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 12 , where they grow best in affectionate climates .
These zones generally have long , raging summertime , which bring home the bacon the idealistic status for sweet Irish potato to mature to the full .
However , in cooler zones ( as low as zone 3 ) , scented Irish potato can still be grown if start indoors or using season extenders like smutty plastic mulch or row covers to warm the soil .
The mature time of year typically needs to be at least 90 to 120 days without frost for sweet potatoes to arise the right way .
Growing Sweet Potatoes FAQ
Sweet potatoes are typically planted in the fountain , after the last frost date when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60 ° F ( 16 ° deoxycytidine monophosphate ) . In warm climate , they can be planted as early as March or April .
To ensure optimal outgrowth , plant sweet potatoes in a location that receives full sun , with ground temperature consistently above 65 ° F ( 18 ° C).Raised bedsor mounds can help improve drain and prevent ascendent rot . to boot , the soil should be rich in constituent subject , and it ’s authoritative to avoid engraft sweet white potato in the same spot for consecutive years to prevent disease buildup .
Sweet potatoes unremarkably take about 90 to 120 twenty-four hour period to mature , look on the motley and originate conditions .
Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and spacious , with good drain . habituate a loose , well - draining potting mix , and ensure the container receive plenty of sunlight .
On average , a single sweet white potato plant can produce about 3 to 5 lbf. ( 1.4 to 2.3 kilo ) of odorous spud . This typically translate to around 6 to 10 case-by-case gratifying white potato vine per plant , depending on the change , raise conditions , and concern provided .
Start by take a sweet potato and cutting it into division , each with at least one “ oculus . ” set these sections in water , half - submerged , allowing them to burgeon forth slips , which are the modest shoots that emerge . Once the slips are a few column inch long , lightly detach them and place them in a jar of water until roots develop . institute the rooted slips in large containers , keeping them in a cheery locating . With proper tutelage , you ’ll have homegrown sweet white potato in a few months .
mellifluous potatoes are ready to reap when the leave of absence set out to yellow and die back , usually after 90 to 120 day . Gently dig them up with a garden fork , being careful not to damage the origin . Allow them to cure in a fond , dry place for 1 to 2 hebdomad to enhance their sweet .
Yes , you’re able to produce sweet potatoes from store - corrupt genus Tuber , but it ’s best to choose constituent one , as they are less potential to be treated with chemical substance that conquer sprouting .
