How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Containers: Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to GoGardenPro! If you’re eager to learn how to grow sweet potatoes in containers, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right containers, planting slips, and ensuring a bountiful harvest.

Quick Care Guide

FACT	DETAIL
Common Name of Plants	Sweet Potatoes
Scientific Name	Ipomoea batatas
Containers	Fabric grow bags, large pots with drainage holes
Seeds/Varieties	Vardaman, Porto Rico
Soil	Well-draining potting mix amended with compost
Fertilizer	Slow-release, 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer
Sunlight	Full sun, 6-8 hours daily
Water	1 inch per week, allow soil to dry between waterings
Support	N/A
Pests/Diseases	Garden pests, root rot, voles
Equipment / Tools	Pots, garden fork, pruning shears, watering can

Instructions for Growing Sweet Potatoes in Containers

Best Sweet Potato Varieties for Container Gardening

When growing sweet potatoes in containers, opt for bush-type or vineless varieties like Vardaman or Porto Rico.

These varieties are compact, making them ideal for small spaces. They also produce a good yield even in confined container environments.

Choosing the Right Containers for Sweet Potatoes

The key to growing sweet potatoes in a container is selecting a container size that supports healthy root development. Sweet potatoes thrive in containers that are at least 12 inches deep and 20 inches wide.

Fabric grow bags or large pots with drainage holes are excellent choices as they prevent waterlogging, which is crucial for healthy tuber formation.

Preparing Soil and Fertilizer for Sweet Potatoes in Containers

The best soil for sweet potatoes in containers is a well-draining potting mix amended with compost or a slow-release fertilizer like 10-10-10.

This soil composition ensures that your sweet potatoes receive the nutrients they need while maintaining the proper moisture level. Avoid using garden soil, as it can lead to root rot and poor drainage.

Planting Sweet Potato Slips in Containers

When planting sweet potato slips in containers, ensure you bury them deep enough to cover the roots and support the stems.

After planting, water the slips thoroughly to help them establish. If you’re wondering how long to grow sweet potatoes in containers, expect a growing period of 85 to 120 days, depending on the variety.

Watering and Sunlight Needs for Container-Grown Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes need full sun to thrive, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Watering is equally important; sweet potatoes in containers should receive about 1 inch of water per week. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can cause root rot.

Harvesting and Curing Sweet Potatoes Grown in Containers

Harvesting sweet potatoes in containers is easy and rewarding. Once the leaves start to yellow, your sweet potatoes are ready. Gently dig them out or dump the container to collect the tubers.

After harvesting, cure the sweet potatoes in a warm, dry place for 10 to 14 days to enhance their sweetness and extend their shelf life.

Storing and Using Your Homegrown Sweet Potatoes

After curing, store your sweet potatoes in a cool, well-ventilated area. Proper storage will keep them fresh for months, allowing you to enjoy them in various recipes throughout the winter.

FAQ growing sweet potatoes in containers

How big of a container do I need to grow sweet potatoes?

A container should be at least 12 inches deep and around 2 feet wide for each plant.

How many sweet potatoes can I grow in a 5-gallon bucket?

Typically, you can grow one sweet potato plant in a 5-gallon bucket.

How many sweet potatoes can you get from one plant?

A single sweet potato plant can produce 3 to 6 pounds of sweet potatoes, depending on growing conditions.

How long does it take for sweet potatoes to grow?

Sweet potatoes typically take 100 to 150 days to mature.

What is a companion plant with sweet potatoes?

Good companion plants include root vegetables like beets, parsnips, and salsify.

What not to plant next to sweet potatoes?

Avoid planting sweet potatoes near squash and tomatoes, as they may attract similar pests and compete for nutrients.

Do sweet potatoes need a trellis?

While sweet potatoes can be trained to grow on a trellis, it’s not necessary unless you are managing the space or growing vertically.

What is the best fertilizer for sweet potatoes?

A balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 is ideal, but organic options such as compost tea also work well.

Conclusion

We hope this guide inspires you to start growing sweet potatoes in containers! Visit GoGardenPro for more gardening tips.