Can you plant a whole sprouted sweet potato?

Can You Plant a Whole Sprouted Sweet Potato?

Many people wonder if they can plant a whole sprouted sweet potato. The answer is no. In order to successfully grow sweet potatoes, you need to cut the sprouted sweet potato into sections, each containing at least one sprout, before planting. This is an important step to ensure that the sweet potato sprouts properly and has the best chance of growing into a healthy plant.

According to the information provided, there are a few different methods for planting sprouted sweet potatoes. One method involves separating the sprouts from the sweet potato and placing them in a shallow bowl with the bottom half of the stem submerged in water, while the leaves hang out over the rim of the bowl. Another method involves cutting the sweet potatoes into sections and placing each section in a jar or glass of water with half of the potato submerged.

Once the sprouts have developed roots that are about an inch long, they are ready to be planted in loose, well-drained soil. The roots should be pointing down and the bottom half of the stem should be covered with soil. It is important to water the slips thoroughly after planting and continue to water them regularly until they are established.

Steps to Plant Sprouted Sweet Potatoes

Here are the steps you can follow to plant sprouted sweet potatoes:

1. Start the slips: Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them in half or large sections. Place each section in a jar or glass of water with half of the potato submerged. Use toothpicks to hold the potatoes in place and place them in a warm location.
2. Root the slips: Once the sweet potatoes have sprouted, separate them into individual slips by twisting them off. Place each sprout in a shallow bowl with the bottom half submerged in water. Roots will emerge within a few days.
3. Prepare the soil: Sweet potatoes need loose, well-drained soil. Ensure the soil is loose to allow the roots to expand easily.
4. Plant the slips: Plant the slips in the prepared soil with the roots pointing down. Cover the bottom half of the stem with soil and ensure the leaves are above ground.
5. Water regularly: Water the slips thoroughly until the surrounding soil is wet. Water them every day for the first week and gradually reduce the frequency to once a week.
6. Harvest: Harvest sweet potatoes after 90 to 120 days, depending on the variety. Be careful not to damage them during harvesting.
7. Cure the sweet potatoes: Dry the harvested sweet potatoes in the sun for a few hours, then store them in a box lined with newspaper in a well-ventilated area for a couple of weeks. Move them to a cooler location with temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit for long-term storage.

Following these steps will give you the best chance of successfully growing sweet potatoes from sprouted potatoes. It is important to provide the right conditions for the slips to develop roots and establish themselves in the soil. Proper watering and care throughout the growing season will help ensure a bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you cannot plant a whole sprouted sweet potato. Instead, you need to separate the sprouts from the sweet potato and plant them in the soil. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully grow sweet potatoes from sprouted potatoes. Remember to provide the slips with the right conditions, such as well-drained soil and regular watering, and be patient as they grow. With proper care, you will be rewarded with a delicious harvest of sweet potatoes.

Related Websites:

• How to Plant Sprouted Sweet Potato – Garden Little Diary
• How to Plant and Grow Sweet Potatoes – HGTV