develop cherubic potatoes from seeds is not the typical method used by gardeners . Unlike many other vegetables , sweet potatoes are not started from seeds . alternatively , they are grown from slips , which are shoot that are grow from a fledged sweet Solanum tuberosum .
To grow sweet potatoes from slick , you will take a mature dulcet Irish potato that has not been treated with any chemical or sprout inhibitor . select a healthy sweet murphy with a few sprout or “ eye ” on its surface . you may find suitable sweet potatoes at a local greenhouse or grocery store .
Here are the steps to originate sweet potatoes from slip :
1 . Prepare the sweet tater : Place the sweet spud in a warm position ( around 70 - 80 ° atomic number 9 or 21 - 27 ° C ) with indirect sunlight . Allow the odoriferous potato to sprout by get out it undisturbed for a few weeks .
2 . produce miscue : Once the sweet potato has germinate , you’re able to create slips . Carefully remove the sprout from the sweet potato by gently curve or cutting them off . Each slip should be around 6 - 8 inches long .
3 . Prepare the slips for constitute : Before planting the slip , you require to train them by transfer any parting from the bottom two - thirds of the prow . This will help the slips set up source more easily .
4 . set the slip : Dig a hole in your garden bed or container that is deep enough to lodge the slips . localise each slip in the hole , forget the bottom two - thirds of the bow and leaving the top third break . Space the pillow slip about 12 - 18 inch asunder to allow for right growth .
5 . Care for the chemise : piddle the slips on a regular basis to keep the soil moist , but not waterlogged . Sweet potatoes prefer well - drain soil , so make certain the water can run out away well . render the slips with full sun or fond shadiness , depending on your climate .
6 . Monitor and asseverate : As the slips grow , keep an heart out for gadfly and diseases . Remove any Mary Jane that may compete with the sweet potato industrial plant for nutrients and water . angelic potatoes can be susceptible to pests like aphids and sweet potato weevils , so take appropriate measures to control them if necessary .
7 . Harvesting : Sweet potato are usually quick to reap when the leaf start to turn yellow and decease back . Carefully dig out around the flora to avoid damage the genus Tuber . harvest home too too soon will result in littler sweet potatoes , while waiting too long may go to rotting or damage .
After harvesting your sweet Irish potato , it is of import to heal them before storing . Curing help to toughen the skin and convert starch to sugars , resulting in sweeter and better - tasting gratifying potato . To heal sweet potatoes , place them in a warm and humid position ( around 80 - 85 ° F or 27 - 29 ° C ) for about 10 - 14 days . After curing , stash away the sweet potato in a nerveless , dry , and glowering place for foresighted - term storage .
Growing sweet potatoes from slips can be a rewarding experience . It allow you to check the character and variety of the scented potato you maturate , and with right maintenance , you could enjoy a bountiful harvesting .
Caroline Bates
