Container Plant Information: Sweet Potato

How To Grow

1. Select a Container: Choose a large container that is at least 12-18 inches deep and wide. Sweet potatoes need ample space for their roots to grow.
2. Choose Sweet Potato Slips: Purchase sweet potato slips (young plants) from a garden center or nursery. You can also sprout your own slips from sweet potatoes by submerging them partially in water until they develop roots and shoots.
3. Prepare the Container: Fill the container with well-draining potting soil mixed with compost. Sweet potatoes prefer loose, sandy soil.
4. Plant the Slips: Plant the sweet potato slips in the container, burying them about halfway into the soil. Space the slips evenly, allowing enough room for them to spread out as they grow.
5. Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
6. Provide Adequate Sunlight: Place the container in a sunny location where the sweet potatoes will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
7. Fertilize Occasionally: Sweet potatoes are not heavy feeders, but you can fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
8. Mulch the Soil: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds around the sweet potato plants.
9. Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like sweet potato weevils or diseases like root rot. Treat any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading.
10. Harvest: Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest 3-4 months after planting, once the foliage begins to yellow and die back. Carefully dig up the sweet potatoes, being careful not to damage them, and allow them to cure in a warm, dry place for about 1-2 weeks before storing them in a cool, dark location.

Check out our detailed guide to grow sweet potato in a container.