Topic: sweet potatoes

[debster]

well that settles it will get one on the go asap thanks folks
 ;D

[Sinbad7]

LOL, thank you Ceres.

Maybe I had better start again as the potato itself isn't looking any too good.  Mind, it does have a big sturdy root in the water, I'd better give it a while longer though.  Will go and inspect to see if the root is doing anything.

Sinbad

[Sinbad7]

It's started to grow roots ;D ;D  So are they going to be the slips?

Sinbad

[debster]

nope the roots are white thin stringy things then the slips grew from the top half of the potato and if i remember rightly they started off purple like a chit on a normal potato but quickly opened up to a leaf all grew up from the top half of the potato

[manicscousers]

this is how ours grew  :)

[Sinbad7]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, thanks debs, excitement short lived ;D ;D

Sinbad

[Sinbad7]

They look magic manics, thank you for posting them.  Will go and buy a couple of potatoes tomorrow now and start again.

Sinbad

[ceres]

Sinbad, if your potato has roots already, don't bin it unless it's gone soft or rotting.  It will take weeks more for the slips to start coming.  I think it has a lot to do with light levels.  Mine were quite slow to start last year but then romped away as it got brighter for longer.  You've got roots which is a start!

[newbies]

This is how I started mine last year, and the slips did eventually come.  They do have a long growing season though.  I think last year I started mine too late, so this week it is!

[terrier]

Hi, I tried growing them from my own slips last year. The vine looked really healthy and was growing well but when I lifted the plants, the 'roots' had not swelled and I was left with lots of very thin red 'roots'. What do you think my chances are of using these to get new growth? I was going to try and get slips from them. The plants were grown in a plastic tent in large pots and the roots still look OK.

[Eristic]

Sweet potato showing slips. These are gently rubbed off and potted up as soon as they are large enough to handle.




Link to unfinished web page for growing sweet potatoes:
http://downtheplot.com/batatas.php

[ceres]

This is how I started mine last year, and the slips did eventually come.  They do have a long growing season though.  I think last year I started mine too late, so this week it is!

I'm not sure you'll get slips from the undeveloped tubers but you've not got a lot to lose by trying!  As insurance though, I'd set a new full-size potato up to sprout or buy in some slips if you prefer.

[grannyjanny]

Sweet potatoes are on offer in Sainsburys. £1 a bag. I think I might give it a go.
Janet.

[thifasmom]

i finally got my sweet potato to grow my slips I've got it sitting in water but i am not sure which is most important at this stage light or heat. can some one set me straight please.

[Sparkly]

My sweet potatoes have roots! They are in water above the fireplace. What spacing do the plants need?

[Eristic]

Your potatoes have roots but have they produced shoots?

Do nothing until the tuber produces shoots. When these are large enough to handle remove them and pot on individually in a small pot. 3" or so. Grow on in good light.