HOW TO PLANT A SPROUTED SWEET POTATO? OUR CULTIVATION ADVICE

Growing tropical sweet potatoes is a straightforward process. Learn about the germination, planting, and care required for a bountiful harvest of delicious sweet potatoes.

How to germinate sweet potatoes?

1. Sweet Potatoes in Water:

  • Place the base of the tuber in a container with a quart of water.
  • Use toothpicks to support the potato, ensuring the base is at water level.
  • Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent mold.
  • Stems will form, and when ready, cut them to create roots and seedlings.

2. Place the Potato in or on Potting Soil:

  • Place the potato lengthwise in potting soil, ensuring the flesh is in contact with the soil.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist.
  • Cut the potato into pieces for best results.
  • Maintain a temperature of 20-25°C in a well-lit room.

How to plant a sprouted sweet potato?

  1. Ideal Conditions for Growth:
    • Sweet potatoes thrive in light, deep, cool soil with temperatures above 20 degrees.
    • Provide ample light and heat for optimal development.
    • Ornamental varieties can thrive in partial shade.
  2. Soil Preparation:
    • Use clear plastic or spread mature compost to warm the soil.
    • Spread around 30 kg of compost per 10 m² of the culture area.
    • Plant varieties every 30 cm in rows spaced 90 cm apart.
    • Use a distance of one meter between rows or climb leaves on a grid or net.
  3. Planting Technique:
    • Bury the plants slightly, placing the top of the rootball at ground level.
    • For multiple rows, maintain a distance of one meter between rows.
    • Plant in mid-February for ideal germination, but starting in mid-March is acceptable.
    • If starting late, cut the potato into pieces and germinate in cups for direct planting.

When to start germinating sweet potatoes?

The recommended time for sweet potato germination is mid-February, but germinating in mid-March is still viable. Cut the potato into pieces for late germination, and plant them directly for a successful harvest.

Growing sweet potatoes is a rewarding and straightforward process when following these cultivation tips.

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