How Quickly Does Sweet Potato Plant Grow?

Sweet potatoes are a popular crop that is loved for their delicious taste and versatility in recipes. Whether roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews, sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. However, if you’re considering growing your own sweet potatoes, you may be wondering how long it takes for them to grow from planting to harvest. In this article, we will explore the growth timeline of sweet potato plants and provide tips on how to maximize their growth.

Planting Sweet Potatoes

Before we delve into the growth timeline, it’s important to understand how to properly plant sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are typically grown from slips, which are small rooted sprouts that are cut from mature sweet potatoes. These slips can be purchased from garden centers or can be started at home by sprouting sweet potatoes in water.

To start your sweet potato plants, you will need to prepare your garden bed by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or debris. Sweet potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. Once the soil is prepared, you can plant your slips about 12 inches apart and bury them about 2 inches deep.

The Growth Timeline

Now that you have planted your sweet potato slips, let’s take a look at the growth timeline of these plants:

Weeks 1-2: Root Development

During the first two weeks after planting, sweet potato slips focus on establishing their root systems. The roots begin to develop and spread out in search of water and nutrients in the soil. It’s important to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist during this stage to encourage healthy root growth.

Weeks 3-6: Vine Growth

Around week three, you will start to see the first signs of vine growth above the soil surface. The vines will begin to emerge and grow rapidly, spreading out in all directions. During this stage, it’s essential to provide support for the vines by using stakes or trellises. This helps prevent them from sprawling on the ground and makes it easier to harvest the sweet potatoes later on.

Weeks 7-12: Leaf Development

As the vines continue to grow, they will start developing an abundance of lush green leaves. These leaves are essential for photosynthesis, as they capture sunlight and convert it into energy for the plant. It’s important to ensure that the sweet potato plants receive adequate sunlight during this stage to promote healthy leaf development.

Weeks 13-16: Flowering

Around week 13, sweet potato plants may begin to produce small white or lavender flowers. While these flowers are beautiful, they are not necessary for the production of sweet potatoes. In fact, some gardeners prefer to remove the flowers to redirect the plant’s energy towards tuber formation. However, if you choose to leave the flowers on the plant, they will eventually develop into small green fruits.

Weeks 17-20: Tuber Formation

Between weeks 17 and 20, tuber formation begins. The sweet potato plant directs its energy towards storing carbohydrates in the form of tubers underground. As the tubers grow, they push against the surrounding soil, causing slight mounds to form around each plant. It’s important to avoid disturbing these mounds during cultivation to prevent damage to the developing tubers.

Weeks 21-24: Harvesting

After approximately 21 to 24 weeks from planting, sweet potatoes are ready for harvest. The leaves of the plant will start turning yellow and dying back, indicating that it’s time to dig up the tubers. Carefully loosen the soil around each plant and gently lift out the sweet potatoes by hand or with a garden fork. Be sure to handle them with care to avoid bruising or damaging the tubers.

Tips for Maximizing Growth

To ensure optimal growth and a bountiful harvest, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Provide adequate sunlight: Sweet potato plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun to promote healthy growth.

2. Water regularly: Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during the first few weeks after planting when the roots are establishing. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

3. Fertilize appropriately: Sweet potatoes benefit from a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting and again halfway through the growing season.

4. Control weeds: Weeds can compete with sweet potato plants for nutrients and water. Regularly weed around your sweet potato plants to minimize their impact on growth.

5. Harvest at the right time: Wait until the leaves have yellowed and died back before harvesting your sweet potatoes. This ensures that the tubers have reached their maximum size and sweetness.

In conclusion, growing sweet potatoes can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience and proper care. From planting to harvesting, sweet potato plants typically take around 21 to 24 weeks to complete their growth cycle. By following the tips mentioned above, you can maximize the growth of your sweet potato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tubers. Happy gardening!