Sweet Potato

Did you know that sweet potatoes have a very long growing cycle (~150 days)? They also need warm and moist conditions to thrive and maximize tuber growth. If you plan on growing seedings (from pieces of a mature potato) your sprouting bed should be between 70 degrees and 80 degrees and should not be allowed to dry out.

Did you know that sweet potatoes require well-worked sandy soil to grow the perfect tuber? Rocks or compacted soil can cause the roots to grow into interesting shapes!

Did you know that once you cure sweet potatoes (store in a dark, humid place at 80-85 degrees for ~10 days to cure your potatoes) they can be stored for up to six months in a traditional root cellar?

Did you know that sweet potatoes can be damaged by freezing or cold soils? You should harvest your potatoes earlier rather than later – and definitely before the first frost. Sweet potatoes are very thin skinned and can bruise easily – be cautious when you harvest!

Did you know that sweet potatoes come in both dry and moist varieties? This describes their texture while being consumed. Moist varieties are often called yams, but yams are actually a different species grown in more tropical climates and countries.