Can sweet potatoes grow in containers?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.There are bush varieties, such as Vardaman, which thrive in pots, making these plants perfect for small spaces. I've grown these sweet tubers for years on my balcony. If you are container gardening, you want pots that are at least a foot deep and a foot and a half wide, with drainage holes, so that you do not encounter root rot. Container gardening will extend your horizon beyond a conventional garden.
Pot Preparation
- Use fabric pots or plastic with drainage holes
- Fill bottom with 2 inches of gravel for drainage
- Mix potting soil with 30% compost for nutrients
- Pre-moisten soil before planting slips
Planting Technique
- Plant one slip per container center position
- Bury stems up to bottom leaves for stability
- Create soil mound for better tuber formation
- Water thoroughly after planting
Positioning
- Place in full sun with 6+ hours direct light
- Rotate containers weekly for even growth
- Use wheeled bases for heavy pots
- Elevate pots for air circulation
Water when the top 2 inches dry out. Container plants require more frequent watering than crops in the ground. I test for moisture every day while the sun beats down. Or use a drip system or self-watering pots for a regular water supply. A layer of straw mulch helps retain moisture and prevents the soil from overheating.
Feed monthly with a potassium-rich fertilizer. I use organic alternatives, such as wood ash or kelp meal. Apply half-strength liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks. Do not use high-nitrogen fertiliser, as this will promote leaf growth at the expense of tubers. Stop feeding 6 weeks before you harvest for a better flavor.
Harvest after 90 to 100 days when the leaves have yellowed. Turn containers on their sides, and shake out the soil and tubers. Store them in a warm, sunny spot for optimal curing. Container-grown tubers are usually skinned more smoothly than those grown in the field. Enjoy your work from a little patch of ground.
Read the full article: How to Grow Sweet Potatoes Successfully
