How to Grow Sweet Potato Plant Indoors

Growing your own sweet potatoes can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only are sweet potatoes delicious and nutritious, but they can also be grown indoors, making it accessible for people with limited space or unfavorable outdoor conditions. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of growing sweet potato plants indoors.

Choosing the Right Variety

The first step in growing sweet potato plants indoors is to choose the right variety. There are many different types of sweet potatoes available, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Some popular varieties for indoor cultivation include Beauregard, Georgia Jet, and Vardaman.

When selecting a variety, consider factors such as taste preference, growth habit, and size. Some varieties are more suitable for indoor cultivation due to their compact growth habit or shorter maturity time.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Once you have chosen a variety, it’s time to prepare the sweet potatoes for planting. Purchase organic sweet potatoes from a reputable source, as conventionally grown ones may have been treated with chemicals that can inhibit growth.

Select healthy-looking sweet potatoes that are free from blemishes or soft spots. It’s best to choose medium-sized sweet potatoes as they tend to produce more sprouts compared to larger ones.

Sprouting Process

Sweet potatoes need to be sprouted before they can be planted. This process allows the eyes of the sweet potato to develop into sprouts that will eventually grow into vines.

To sprout sweet potatoes, follow these steps:

1. Fill a jar or glass partially with water.
2. Insert toothpicks into the sides of the sweet potato at about 1/3 of its length.
3. Place the sweet potato on top of the jar or glass so that the pointed end is facing down and the toothpicks rest on the edges of the container.
4. Fill the container with water until it covers about 1/3 to 1/2 of the sweet potato.
5. Place the container in a warm location, such as a sunny windowsill.
6. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and ensure freshness.

After a few weeks, you should start to see sprouts emerging from the eyes of the sweet potato. Once the sprouts reach a length of around 4-6 inches, they are ready for planting.

Planting the Sweet Potato Slips

Sweet potatoes are typically grown from slips, which are small rooted sprouts obtained from a mature sweet potato. To plant your sweet potato slips, follow these steps:

1. Fill a pot or container with well-draining potting soil. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the growing roots.
2. Make a small hole in the soil and gently insert the sweet potato slip, leaving the leaves above the soil surface.
3. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to ensure good root-to-soil contact.
4. Place the pot in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
5. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil by watering whenever the top inch feels dry to the touch.

Care and Maintenance

Growing sweet potato plants indoors requires proper care and maintenance to ensure healthy growth and abundant harvests. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Light: Sweet potatoes thrive in full sun, so make sure to provide them with adequate light. If your indoor space lacks natural sunlight, consider using artificial grow lights to supplement.

Temperature: Sweet potatoes prefer warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Avoid exposing them to cold drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations.

Watering: Sweet potatoes require regular watering to maintain moist soil conditions. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Always check the top inch of soil before watering and adjust accordingly.

Fertilization: Sweet potatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Pruning: As your sweet potato plant grows, it may develop long vines. To promote bushier growth, you can pinch back the tips of the vines. This will encourage side shoots to develop, resulting in a fuller plant.

Harvesting

Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest around 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Look for signs such as yellowing leaves or dying foliage to indicate that the sweet potatoes are mature.

To harvest sweet potatoes, gently dig around the base of the plant and carefully lift the tubers out of the soil. Be cautious not to damage or bruise the sweet potatoes during the process.

After harvest, allow the sweet potatoes to cure for about a week in a warm, dry location with good air circulation. Curing helps to improve their flavor and texture.

Enjoying Your Homegrown Sweet Potatoes

Once your sweet potatoes have cured, you can savor the fruits of your labor. Sweet potatoes can be cooked in various ways, from baking and roasting to mashing and frying. Their natural sweetness makes them a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.

Growing sweet potato plants indoors is a gratifying experience that allows you to enjoy fresh and nutritious produce year-round. With proper care and attention, you can successfully cultivate your own sweet potatoes even in limited indoor spaces. So why not give it a try and embark on this exciting gardening journey?