A sweet potato it is a highly nutritious tuber with many health benefits. Growing it in pots can save space and ensure you don’t run out of fresh vegetables. Let’s take a look at all the information about growing this beloved tuber!
How to plant sweet potatoes in pots?
First, leave the tubers supported with toothpicks in a container of water and let them form roots. Then transfer them to vases.
Unlike regular potatoes which grow better in cooler climates, sweet potatoes like warmth. They are tropical plants sensitive to colder temperatures. This tuber needs a temperature range of 24 to 35°C during the growing season to thrive best.
Typically, most sweet potatoes take about three to four months to grow fully.
choosing a vase
Since it’s a root vegetable, it’s a good idea to get a deep vessel. Plant in 35cm – 40cm pot. You can also use grow bags.
Requirements for cultivation
Location
Select a bright, sunny location for best growth. Make sure the plants receive at least 2-4 hours of direct sunlight every day. When growing the plant in warmer climates, the ideal location would be warm but out of direct sunlight.
Ground
Use clayey, slightly acidic soil with a pH value range of 5.5 to 6.6. Opt for a high-quality soil mix and enrich it with plenty of organic matter.
watering
Water the plant once in 2-4 days depending on the climate and soil moisture. Do not let the growing medium dry out completely. Remember not to overwater.
Sweet Potato Care
Fertilization
If you want to increase tuber growth and size, use an NKP mix of 5-10-10 or 8-24-24 once every 5-7 weeks. See label for dosage and instructions.
Roof
Mulching helps the soil stay moist for a longer period of time by retaining moisture and not allowing water to evaporate as quickly. This helps the plant grow larger tubers. Straws, old leaves, black plastic are ideal covering materials for sweet potatoes.
Pests and Diseases
Some of the common pests that can cause damage to sweet potatoes are the stem borer and white grub. Using a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap will take care of them. And to avoid diseases, keep the plant in a well-ventilated place, do not overwater and avoid wetting the foliage.
harvesting sweet potato
Depending on the variety, it takes 3 to 4 months for the tubers to reach their maximum growing size. When the leaves turn yellow, it’s time to start harvesting.
When digging up sweet potatoes, be very careful as they have delicate skin that can be easily bruised or damaged.
*Via Balcony Garden Web