How to Grow
Growing Sweet Potatoes
The best soil types is a well drained, light sandy loam or silt loam soils. Poor drainage can cause root damage. The soil ph should be between 5.2-6.7.
Fertilizer Requirements
Incorporate into the soil before planting:
25 lbs./Acre Nitrogen
100 lbs./Acre Phosphorus
200 lbs./Acre Potassium
Apply 3-4 weeks after planting:
25-50 lbs./Acre Nitrogen
Soil Preparation
Till soil, remove weeds, lay out rows with 36 inch spacing. Incorporate recommended fertilizer into soil. Hill (make a ridge down each row).
Planting and Care
Plant sprouts 12-18 inches between plants, approximately 4 inches deep on top of ridge, water. three to four weeks after planting side dress with nitrogen and pull more dirt to the plants to make ridge taller. Continue to weed until vines cover the ground. Vines may grow over 10 feet long.
Harvesting
The Baker variety generally takes around 120 days for maturity. Harvest potatoes before frost. Remove vines and dig potatoes being careful not to damage roots. Handle gently until cured. Sweet potatoes bruise and scar easily. Dig only what you can pick up in a short amount of time so as to prevent sun damage.
Curing and Storing
Dry roots to 80-85 degrees F. for 7-10 days. Once dried, store in a cool dry place. No cooler than 55 degrees F.