How do I create slips from a sweet potato?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Sweet potato slips are a product of healthy, organic tubers. Many store-bought varieties of sweet potatoes are treated to discourage sprouting, so scrub them well with a vegetable brush before putting them in water. In my experience, the organic yams I have purchased from farmer's markets seem to sprout about 30% faster than conventional grocery store-bought tubers! Be sure to choose tubers that have plump roots without any soft spots.
Preparation
- Sanitize tubers with diluted vinegar solution
- Insert 3-4 toothpicks around the tuber's middle
- Use clean glass jars to prevent bacterial growth
- Position suspended tubers near east-facing windows
Water Method
- Maintain water temperature at 75°-85°F (24°-29°C)
- Change water every 48 hours to prevent rot
- Watch for white roots emerging in 7-10 days
- Allow slips to reach 6-8 inches before harvesting
Soil Method
- Bury tubers halfway in damp seed-starter mix
- Maintain 80°F (27°C) soil with heating mats
- Mist soil daily without oversaturating
- Harvest slips when third set of leaves forms
Pay careful attention to water levels. Evaporation can lower temperatures quickly; I lost my first slips when kitchen temps at night dropped to 70°F (21°C). I found using aquarium heaters to supplement the warmth helped tremendously. Healthy slips will have built strong stems and deep, dark green leaves ready for transplanting.
Harvest slips by twisting them gently at the base. Root them in fresh water for 3-5 days before planting. I have also stored slips in damp paper towels for 72 hours due to unexpected frost and the slips were still viable. Hardened-off plants will be established in garden soil a lot faster.
Read the full article: How to Grow Sweet Potatoes: Complete Guide
