Petite Garden Inspirations

Let’s grow sweet potatoes for its roots and leaves

Overview

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) are vigorous herbaceous vines that are cultivated for their plump roots. It’s a vegetable from the Morning Glory family that comes in a variety of colors including, orange, yellow, white, and purple. Interestingly, they are not related to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum, family Solanaceae) or yams (various Dioscorea species, family Dioscoreaceae). 

In parts of the world, sweet potatoes are also cultivated for their leaves. They are perennials that thrive in hot, humid climates. They can also be grown annually in areas with short season varieties.

First harvest of sweet potatoes

Grow it.

Seed

Sweet potatoes are grown from ‘slips’ instead of seed. Slips are the vines that sprout from the actual potato. They can be started by laying the potato in water or on moist soil for a few weeks in late winter. It’s quite simple to start them. Often times I forget about some of the potatoes in my pantry, they form slips on their own. You can also get a cutting from an existing vine if they grow year round in your area.

When the slips are about 6”, pluck them off the potato and stick them in water to initiate and increase root development. You will do the same for the cutting and place them in water. They are ready to be planted out when the roots have grown in size and there is no danger of frost.

Here’s a sweet potato that has been sitting in the pantry for a few weeks and has started growing slips on its own.

Site & Soil

In short-season areas, sweet potatoes should be grown in full sun to maximize growth. They still grow well in partial shade in the tropics and subtropics.

Soil that is amended with compost is beneficial but I’ve also grown it in my clay soil with some good results.

Sweet potatoes grown in clay soil.

Water & Fertilizing

Keep soil moist until the plants have established. Once established they become somewhat drought tolerant. Fertilize once in the middle of the season if they had fertile soil to begin with. Other than that, I fertilize or side dress with compost or fertilizer about once a month.

Harvest

Roots can be harvested when they are plump and at any usable size. Cut back vines and lift the roots with a garden fork. Be careful as the skins of the potato are delicate and bruise easily. The young leaves and the tender tips of the vines can also be harvested any time.

Sweet potato leaves

Preservation

Sweet potatoes can be stored in cool temperatures for several weeks. If cured, they can last up to a year.

To cure roots, store them in warm temperatures, about 80-95F with 80-90% humidity for about a week. Following curing, store in a cool, humid place like a root cellar. 

TIPS

  • Slips can be grown from organically grown sweet potatoes from farmers market or the grocery. Find a variety that you and your family like and start there.
  • Sweet potatoes are perennials in tropical and subtropical climates. Get a head start on the following season by leaving some of the roots in the ground during winter. Mulch over roots to protect it in areas that have frost.
  • When eating the leaves, braising them will help mellow any bitterness and toughness.

Health Benefits

Together the sweet potato and leaves are loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals. The high fiber and antioxidants aid in the protection from free radicals in the body and promote a healthy gut and brain. The high beta-carotene helps support good vision and your immune system.

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