Both types belong to theIpomoea batataspecies, a tender perennial normally grown as an annual.
And both the ornamental and edible varieties are easy to grow in pots.
Both types grow best in sunny conditions.
The Spruce / Sandhya Moraes
Sweet potatoes are widely available for sale as small container plants in the spring.
But they are also easy to grow yourself by sprouting “slips” from pieces of the tubers.
It’s better if they haven’t been refrigerated.
The Spruce / Sandhya Moraes
Space the toothpicks evenly around the circumference of the tuber.
Fill the jar with enough water to cover the bottom half of the tuber.
Then, put the jar on a sunny windowsill, and change the water every couple of days.
The Spruce / Sandhya Moraes
check that to keep the bottom of the tuber submerged in water.
If the tubers are not sprouting, replace the tap water with distilled water.
There might already be a rudimentary root structure attached to the slip that you should try not to disturb.
The Spruce / Sandhya Moraes
New roots will begin growing from the bottom of the slip within a few days.
When the new roots are about 1 inch long, the slips can be planted in potting soil.
Discard any slip that is wilting or that hasn’t produced any roots; these won’t be viable.
Kerry Michaels
Don’t firmly compress the soil; the tubers need loose soil to grow large.
Mix a slow-release fertilizer into yourpotting soilif it doesn’t contain fertilizer already.
Gently put one or two slips into the hole, and pat the soil firm around them.
The Spruce / Sandhya Moraes
confirm there are no air pockets near the roots.
Put your pot in a sunny indoor spot, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
To test moisture levels, stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle.
The Spruce / Sandhya Moraes
If the soil feels dry, add water.
If it’s moist at your fingertip, wait until it’s dry.
It’s best if temperatures have consistently been at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit for several days.
The Spruce / Sandhya Moraes
You canharvest sweet potatoesat any stage, and they will be edible.
Check your variety for the specific number of days it takes to fully mature.
In any case, sweet potatoes should be harvested before the first frost in the fall for best edibility.
