How to grow sweet potatoes
How to grow sweet potatoes in a polar region can be pretty challenging, as they are tropical vegetables that prefer warm climates. Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a worthwhile addition to any garden. They thrive in warm climates, making them ideal for summer planting. Before you embark on growing sweet potatoes, it’s essential to understand the plant’s requirements and characteristics. Sweet potato varieties vary in flesh colour and texture. They are orange, white, Purple, red, and yellow depending on their variety. Their skin is often brown or reddish-brown, and the flesh can be various colours, ranging from orange to yellow, white, and deep purple.
How to grow sweet potatoes – Start with Healthy Slips
Sweet potatoes are grown from slips, not seeds. Buy a healthy sweet potato (organic works best). Place it halfway in a glass of water using toothpicks, or bury it halfway in moist soil. Keep in a warm place (sunlight or near a window). The best temperature for slip growth is 24–30°C. On average, 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight is best. In 2–3 weeks, sprouts (slips) will form.
How to grow sweet potatoes – Detaching the Slips
When the sprouts are about 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) long, gently twist them off the sweet potato and place the slips in a glass of water for 2–3 days, until roots form.
How to grow sweet potatoes – Preparing the Soil
Giving optimal soil is essential for sweet potatoes to grow properly. Sweet potatoes prefer loose, sandy, well-drained soil. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5, and it needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Never plant in tough clay soil, as roots will become deformed.
Planting the slips
For planting the slips, make raised beds or mounds (25–30 cm high). After making raised beds or mounds, plant slips deep, burying 2-3nodes (leaves removed). Space them properly: keep them 30-40 cm apart in a row and 75-90 cm apart between rows. Water well after planting.
Care & Maintenance tips
For the first 3-4 weeks, keep the soil moist, not waterlogged. After the roots are established, water once a week. As sweet potatoes don’t need heavy fertiliser, avoid too much nitrogen, as it causes big leaves but small tubers. Use compost or a balanced fertiliser: Nitrogen 5%, Phosphorus 10%, and Potassium 10%. Add dry leaves, straw, or mulch to keep soil cool and control weeds. Let vines spread, but don’t bury them in soil (they will make small tubers everywhere).
When to Harvest
The best time to harvest sweet potatoes is between 90 and 120 days after planting, as they are ready then. When leaves start to turn yellow, it is a sign to start harvesting. When they are ready, carefully dig them up with your hands or a fork to avoid injuring the tubers.
Curing
After harvesting, keep the sweet potatoes in a warm place at about 28-30°C for 7-10 days. This improves the skin’s sweetness and healing after curing in a cool or dry place.