What To Know
- It may take a few weeks for the slips to reach a suitable size for planting.
- Can I start sweet potato slips from a grocery store sweet potato.
- Sweet potato slips typically emerge within a week or two after the sweet potato is placed in a warm, humid….
Sweet potatoes, a versatile and nutritious root vegetable, are a joy to grow. And the best part? You can easily propagate them from cuttings, known as “slips.” This guide will walk you through the process of growing sweet potatoes from cuttings, ensuring a bountiful harvest of sweet, delicious spuds.
Understanding Sweet Potato Slips
Sweet potato slips are essentially sprouts that emerge from the potato’s tuber. These slips are the starting point for growing new plants. They are typically purchased from nurseries or garden centers, but you can also start your own from a sweet potato.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato for Slips
Not all sweet potatoes are created equal when it comes to slip production. For successful slip growth, select a sweet potato that is:
- Healthy: Choose a firm, blemish-free sweet potato.
- Large: A larger sweet potato will provide more surface area for slip emergence.
- Organic: Organic sweet potatoes are less likely to have been treated with chemicals that could inhibit slip growth.
Preparing the Sweet Potato for Slip Growth
Once you have selected your sweet potato, prepare it for slip production:
1. Soak: Soak the sweet potato in a bowl of water for several hours, ensuring it is fully submerged. This will soften the skin and encourage sprouting.
2. Position: After soaking, place the sweet potato on a plate or tray with the pointed end facing upwards. This allows the sprouts to emerge easily.
3. Warmth: Place the sweet potato in a warm, sunny location. An ideal temperature range is between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
The Art of Slip Emergence
The sweet potato will begin to sprout within a week or two. You will notice small, green sprouts emerging from the pointed end of the tuber. These are your slips.
Key Tips:
- Humidity: Keep the sweet potato moist but not soggy. You can mist it with water every few days to maintain humidity.
- Patience: Be patient. It may take a few weeks for the slips to reach a suitable size for planting.
Planting Your Sweet Potato Slips
When the slips are about 6-8 inches long, they are ready to be planted. Here’s how to do it:
1. Soil Preparation: Choose a well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Sweet potatoes thrive in warm, sunny locations.
2. Planting Depth: Plant the slips 4-6 inches deep, ensuring the leaves are above the soil line.
3. Spacing: Space the slips 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.
4. Watering: Water the slips thoroughly after planting.
Nurturing Your Sweet Potato Plants
Once planted, your sweet potato plants need regular care to thrive:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Mounding: As the plants grow, mound soil around the base of the stems to encourage root development.
Harvesting Your Sweet Potato Bounty
Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest 100-120 days after planting. Here’s how to know when they are ready:
- Leaf Color: The leaves will start to turn yellow and brown.
- Stems: The stems will become dry and brittle.
- Size: The potatoes will have reached their full size.
To harvest, gently dig around the base of the plant and lift the tubers out of the ground. Handle them carefully to avoid bruising.
Sweet Potato Success: A Celebration of Patience and Effort
Growing sweet potatoes from cuttings is a rewarding experience. It allows you to witness the magic of plant propagation and enjoy the fruits (or rather, roots) of your labor. With patience, care, and the right techniques, you can cultivate a bountiful harvest of sweet, delicious potatoes.
What You Need to Learn
Q1: Can I start sweet potato slips from a grocery store sweet potato?
A1: Yes, you can start sweet potato slips from a grocery store sweet potato. However, be sure to choose an organic sweet potato that has not been treated with chemicals.
Q2: How long does it take for sweet potato slips to emerge?
A2: Sweet potato slips typically emerge within a week or two after the sweet potato is placed in a warm, humid location.
Q3: How often should I water my sweet potato plants?
A3: Water your sweet potato plants deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. The frequency will depend on your climate and soil type.
Q4: Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
A4: Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes in containers. Choose a large container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Q5: What are some tips for storing sweet potatoes?
A5: Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become soft and mushy.
