Can I grow sweet potatoes from grocery store tubers?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Growing sweet potatoes from grocery store tubers is a cheap way to jumpstart your crop. Find an organically grown firm tuber without soft spots or blemishes; the conventional tubers may be overly waxed to prevent sprouting. I chipped four tubers that had been left to languish in the refrigerator for over six months. After the harvest had been delayed, I scrubbed them with vinegar before sprouting and got fourteen slips.
Selection & Preparation
- Choose tubers with visible eyes or sprouts
- Soak 10 minutes in 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- Scrub gently with vegetable brush under warm water
- Dry completely before sprouting
Sprouting Methods Compared
- Water method: Visible root development, 14-21 days
- Soil method: Faster growth, 10-18 days
- Optimal temperature: 75°-85°F (24°-29°C)
- Light requirement: 14 hours daily minimum
Transplanting Tips
- Wait until slips reach 6-8" (15-20 cm)
- Harden off plants over 7 days
- Plant 12" (30 cm) apart in ridges
- Use row covers for frost protection
Avoiding typical errors is attainable by way of proper monitoring. Excess water usage can lead to tubers developing mold - for soil-checking purposes, I insert a finger into the soil, up to the second knuckle. The plants may become leggy and break during transplanting if not receiving enough light. You can utilize full-spectrum grow lights if natural light is insufficient.
The timelines for harvesting vary depending on the method employed. In my instance of water-sprouted Georgia Jet slips, it took 23 days, while it took 17 days for soil-started Beauregard slips. If the time to plant is extended, slips can be stored in damp paper towels for 3-5 days without any roots compromising the slips.
Read the full article: How to Grow Sweet Potatoes: Complete Guide
