The sweet potato, scientifically known as Ipomoea batatas, is a dicotyledonous plant member of the Convolvulaceae family, including morning glory and bindweed.The sweet potato is native to Central and South America but has been cultivated in many tropical countries for thousands of years. It was introduced into the United States during the colonial era and is now widely grown in warm climates worldwide.

 

How to Grow

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Water Method: The easiest way to grow lots of sweet potato slips is by submerging the sweet potato in a cup full of water. The slips will grow fast and develop roots. You must place the pointy side of the sweet potato up and the blunt side down in water. After 4 to 8 weeks, sweet potatoes will grow lots of slips with very healthy roots. These slips can then be broken off and planted in the garden to grow sweet potatoes

How To Grow

Soil Method: Poke holes in the bottom of a foil pan. Fill foil pan with potting soil or seed starting mix. Moisten soil. Nestle sweet potatoes in soil, covering about half the potato with soil. Place the lid under the pan to catch any excess water coming out the holes. Keep soil moist as roots and sprouts form. Once again, providing warmth (a seedling warming mat or on top of the refrigerator) and light (a grow light or sunny window) will speed up the process considerably. In about a week, if you wiggle the sweet potato you will feel that roots are forming in the soil. Within another week or two, small sprouts will begin to grow from top of sweet potato. Once several sprouts have grown to 5-6 inches long, you are ready for the next step.