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| Sweet Potatoe cuttings |
How to Save Sweet Potato Cuttings and Roots for Next Year’s Garden
Saving sweet potato cuttings and roots is a smart way to ensure a strong, healthy garden year after year. By properly storing tubers and nurturing vine cuttings, you can grow your own slips in the spring without buying new plants. With the right steps, your sweet potatoes can survive the winter and be ready to produce a bountiful harvest next season. In this article, learn some Gardener’s tips about Sweet Potato Flowers and Slips and the Best Ways to Cure, Store, and Regrow Them.
Sweet potato plants love warm weather and steady moisture, but they don’t like soggy soil. Here’s a simple guide:
Watering Schedule for Sweet Potatoes
- After planting slips (first 2–3 weeks):
- Water every day or every other day to keep the soil consistently moist while roots establish.
- Growing season (spring & summer):
- Water once a week with about 1 inch of water (roughly a deep soak), or more often if the soil dries out quickly. In very hot, dry weather, you may need to water 2 times a week.
- During tuber development (mid–late season):
- Consistent moisture is important for forming large, healthy roots. Avoid long dry spells followed by heavy watering, since that can cause cracking.
- Final 2–3 weeks before harvest:
- Cut back on watering. Drier soil helps sweet potatoes cure better underground and prevents rotting before harvest.
Tip: Water at the base of the plant instead of overhead, and mulch around the plants to hold in moisture.
What does it mean when sweet potato plants start flowering?
When sweet potato plants start flowering, many gardeners are surprised to see the delicate, morning glory–like blooms appear among the vines. While not all varieties flower, and blossoms aren’t necessary for producing tubers, their appearance is usually a sign of healthy, mature growth.
Understanding what flowering means can help you know what stage your sweet potatoes are in and how to care for them as they continue developing underground.
Normal Growth Stage
- Sweet potatoes can produce small, morning glory–like flowers (since they’re in the same plant family).
- Flowering indicates that the vines are well-established, and the plant has reached a level of maturity.
Tuber Development
- While flowering itself doesn’t directly mean the roots are ready, it often happens around the time the plant is focusing energy underground. Tubers are likely beginning to bulk up at this stage.
Environmental Conditions
- Flowering is more common in tropical or warm climates with long growing seasons. In cooler regions, sweet potatoes may never flower before harvest.
Variety Differences
- Some sweet potato varieties flower freely, while others rarely bloom. So, it’s not always a sign something unusual is happening.
Not a Harvest Signal (Always Check Roots)
- Flowers don’t mean the sweet potatoes are ready for harvest yet. Root development is what matters, and that usually takes 90–120 days depending on the variety.
- The best way to check is to gently dig near the base and see if the tubers have reached a good size.
- Sweet potatoes can produce small, morning glory–like flowers (since they’re in the same plant family).
- Flowering indicates that the vines are well-established, and the plant has reached a level of maturity.
Tuber Development
- While flowering itself doesn’t directly mean the roots are ready, it often happens around the time the plant is focusing energy underground. Tubers are likely beginning to bulk up at this stage.
Environmental Conditions
- Flowering is more common in tropical or warm climates with long growing seasons. In cooler regions, sweet potatoes may never flower before harvest.
Variety Differences
- Some sweet potato varieties flower freely, while others rarely bloom. So, it’s not always a sign something unusual is happening.
Not a Harvest Signal (Always Check Roots)
- Flowers don’t mean the sweet potatoes are ready for harvest yet. Root development is what matters, and that usually takes 90–120 days depending on the variety.
- The best way to check is to gently dig near the base and see if the tubers have reached a good size.
What To Do When Sweet Potatoes Start Flowering
Keep Watering Steady (but Don’t Overdo It):
- Sweet potatoes need consistent moisture while the tubers are bulking up.
- Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rain.
- Avoid waterlogging, since soggy soil can cause root rot.
Cut Back on Heavy Nitrogen Fertilizer:
- Too much nitrogen (like from lawn fertilizer or heavy compost) makes the plant put energy into leaves and vines instead of tubers.
- Switch to a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer if needed (something with more phosphorus and potassium).
Mulch Around the Base:
- Mulching keeps the soil cool, moist, and reduces weeds.
- Use straw, leaves, or even grass clippings to protect the forming tubers.
Train or Trim Vines if Needed:
- Sweet potato vines can take over the garden. You don’t have to cut them back much, but gently lifting or redirecting vines prevents them from rooting everywhere, which can steal energy from the main tubers.
Monitor for Pests:
- Flowering means the plant is mature, so watch out for sweet potato weevils, wireworms, or beetles.
- Check leaves for holes or discoloration and treat quickly if you see pests.
Don’t Rush Harvesting:
- Flowers do not mean harvest time—it usually takes 90–120 days after planting for tubers to reach full size.
- Instead of going by flowers, wait until the leaves and vines start yellowing in late season—that’s a true harvest signal.
Do a “Test Dig”:
- About 2–3 weeks after flowering, gently dig near the base of one plant to check root size.
- If the tubers are still small, cover them back up and let them grow longer.
Bonus Tip: The flowers themselves won’t hurt the plant, but if you want, you can pinch them off. Some gardeners do this, so the plant sends even more energy to the tubers instead of seed production.
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Month-by-Month Sweet Potato Timeline
A month-by-month sweet potato care timeline from flowering to harvest so you’ll know exactly what to do step by step. (Assuming you planted in spring and they’re flowering in mid–late summer.)
Month 1 – Flowering Stage
What’s Happening: Vines are strong, flowers appear, tubers are just beginning to bulk up.
Care Tips:
- Keep watering steady (deep watering once or twice a week).
- Stop heavy nitrogen fertilizer; switch to low-nitrogen, higher potassium (for root growth).
- Add mulch around the base to hold moisture and prevent weeds.
- Redirect vines so they don’t root all over (too many rooted nodes = smaller main harvest).
Month 2 – Tuber Bulking Stage
What’s Happening: Tubers are putting on size underground.
Care Tips:
- Continue steady watering, but don’t overwater—slightly drier soil near the end of this month encourages tuber development.
- Keep checking for pests (sweet potato weevil, wireworms, beetles).
- Consider a light side-dressing with wood ash or organic potassium source to boost root growth.
- Do a “test dig” near one plant to check tuber size without disturbing the whole patch.
Month 3 – Pre-Harvest Stage
What’s Happening: Tubers are near full size; vines may start yellowing at the tips.
Care Tips:
- Begin reducing watering so tubers harden and sweeten.
- Avoid adding fertilizer at this stage—it can cause watery or cracked roots.
- Keep weeds under control, but don’t disturb the soil deeply.
- Do one more test dig to see if roots are ready.
Month 4 – Harvest Time
What’s Happening: Vines naturally yellow and die back, signaling maturity.
Care Tips:
- Harvest before first frost (cold damages roots).
- Use a fork or hands to gently dig up roots without bruising.
- Let them cure in a warm, humid place (80–85°F, 85–90% humidity) for 1–2 weeks—this toughens skins and increases sweetness.
- After curing, store in a cool, dark place (55–60°F) for several months.
Extra Tip: If your growing season is short and frost threatens before Month 4, harvest what you have and cure them. Even smaller sweet potatoes are delicious!
Related: A Gardener's Guide to Common Pests | Strategies for spotting and tackling garden Pests
Ways to Save Sweet Potato Cuttings Until Next Year
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| Teamwork makes the garden grow. |
If you want to save your sweet potato cuttings (slips or vine pieces) until next year’s planting season, you have a few good options depending on your climate and storage space.
1. Root the Cuttings in Water or Soil (Indoor Growing)
- Place vine cuttings in a jar of water (change water every few days) or plant them in pots with soil indoors.
- They will keep growing as houseplants through the winter.
- In spring, you can cut slips from these vines to replant outside.
- Best for people with warm, sunny windows or grow lights.
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| Teamwork makes the garden grow. |
2. Overwinter in Pots (Dormant Storage)
- Take your cuttings and root them in soil-filled pots before frost.
- Keep the pots in a warm, frost-free place (like a basement, garage, or sunroom).
- Water lightly once in a while—don’t let them completely dry out.
- In spring, they’ll sprout new vines you can use for slips.
3. Save Whole Sweet Potatoes and Regrow Slips
- Instead of just saving cuttings, cure and store a few whole sweet potatoes from this year’s harvest.
- Store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place (55–60°F).
- About 6–8 weeks before planting season, place them in water or soil indoors and let them sprout slips.
- This is the most reliable method most gardeners use.
4. Greenhouse/Indoor Vine Maintenance
- If you have a greenhouse or sunny indoor spot, you can keep a vine growing all winter.
- In spring, simply cut slips from that healthy plant.
Things to Remember
- Cuttings alone are tricky to store dormant without soil or water—they usually dry out or rot.
- If you don’t want to care for vines all winter, the easiest long-term method is to save a few whole tubers and start slips next spring.
- Always save more than you think you’ll need—some may not survive storage.
Step-by-Step Guide: Saving Sweet Potatoes for Next Year
Here’s a step-by-step seasonal guide for saving sweet potato cuttings (and roots) from fall until next spring so you’ll have healthy slips ready to plant again.
Fall (Before Frost)
Take Your Cuttings (Optional):
- Snip healthy 8–12 inch sections of vine before frost kills them.
- Root them in jars of water indoors or plant them in pots with soil.
Keep in a warm, sunny window or under grow lights.
Harvest & Select Roots for Storage:
- Dig up your sweet potatoes before frost hits.
- Pick out the healthiest, medium-sized roots (no cracks, bruises, or damage) for next year’s “seed stock.”
- Cure them for 7–14 days at 80–85°F in a warm, humid spot (like a box with damp towels or a warm room).
Winter (December–February)
Store Roots Properly:
- Keep cured sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place at 55–60°F (basement, pantry, or closet).
- Avoid the fridge (too cold) or near a heater (too hot/dry).
- Check once a month and remove any that show rot.
Maintain Indoor Vines (if you saved cuttings):
- Keep them in water or soil pots.
- Trim as needed and use cuttings to refresh the plants if they get leggy.
Early Spring (6–8 Weeks Before Planting Season)
Start Slips from Stored Roots:
- Place a few sweet potatoes in shallow trays of damp soil or half-submerged in jars of water.
- Keep warm (75–85°F) and in bright light.
- In 1–2 weeks, sprouts (slips) will emerge.
Care for the Slips:
- When slips reach 6–8 inches, twist them off gently.
- Place slips in water until they grow roots, then transfer to pots with soil.
- Keep indoors until planting season.
Late Spring (Planting Time)
- Once soil temps are consistently above 65°F (usually 2 weeks after last frost), plant rooted slips outdoors.
- Space 12–18 inches apart in loose, well-drained soil.
- Mulch and water well to help them establish.
Summary of Best Methods:
- Most reliable: Save whole roots → sprout slips in spring.
- Optional backup: Keep a few vine cuttings alive indoors all winter.
- Use both methods if you want extra insurance for next year’s crop.
Saving sweet potato cuttings and roots for next year’s garden isn’t difficult—it just takes the right timing and care. Whether you choose to overwinter cuttings indoors, store whole tubers for slip production, or try both methods, you’ll set yourself up for a thriving crop without the need to buy new plants each season. With a little planning, your sweet potatoes can keep giving year after year, making your garden more sustainable and rewarding.
Author: Arica G is the Founder and Editor of Inveigle Magazine. She created a premiere Lifestyle, Fashion, and Beauty Magazine to entice you towards positive change and increase the quality of life. Inveigle Magazine was born with Arica's love for writing and informing the Universe about various topics.
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- Once soil temps are consistently above 65°F (usually 2 weeks after last frost), plant rooted slips outdoors.
- Space 12–18 inches apart in loose, well-drained soil.
- Mulch and water well to help them establish.
Summary of Best Methods:
- Most reliable: Save whole roots → sprout slips in spring.
- Optional backup: Keep a few vine cuttings alive indoors all winter.
- Use both methods if you want extra insurance for next year’s crop.
Saving sweet potato cuttings and roots for next year’s garden isn’t difficult—it just takes the right timing and care. Whether you choose to overwinter cuttings indoors, store whole tubers for slip production, or try both methods, you’ll set yourself up for a thriving crop without the need to buy new plants each season. With a little planning, your sweet potatoes can keep giving year after year, making your garden more sustainable and rewarding.
Author: Arica G is the Founder and Editor of Inveigle Magazine. She created a premiere Lifestyle, Fashion, and Beauty Magazine to entice you towards positive change and increase the quality of life. Inveigle Magazine was born with Arica's love for writing and informing the Universe about various topics.
Inveigle Magazine