Growing Purple Sweet Potatoes

Growing purple sweet potatoes is a rewarding and easy endeavor that anyone can undertake, even in small spaces. These vibrant tubers are not only healthy and filling, but they also store exceptionally well. In this article, we will explore all the essential information you need to know to successfully grow purple sweet potatoes.

What Makes Purple Sweet Potatoes Special?

Purple sweet potatoes differ from their more common orange counterparts in terms of texture and taste. While they possess a heavier and creamier texture, they are not as sweet as orange sweet potatoes. However, their unique flavor and health benefits make them a worthwhile addition to any garden.

First introduced to purple sweet potatoes at a farmer’s market, I initially purchased them out of curiosity. Little did I know that these humble tubers would become a staple in my garden. Although my first attempt to grow them failed, my discovery of the sprouting capabilities of purple sweet potatoes changed everything. Within days of placing them in water, they sprouted and grew into thriving plants. Since then, I have enjoyed a bountiful supply of delicious purple sweet potatoes.

How to Grow Purple Sweet Potatoes

Let’s delve into the step-by-step process of growing purple sweet potatoes, covering the following aspects:

1. Understanding purple sweet potatoes.
2. Sourcing purple sweet potatoes.
3. Starting purple sweet potato slips.
4. Tips for growing purple sweet potato slips.
5. Soil preparation for purple sweet potatoes.
6. Planting purple sweet potato slips.
7. Caring for purple sweet potato plants.
8. Harvesting purple sweet potatoes.
9. Curing and storing purple sweet potatoes.
10. Cooking with purple sweet potatoes.
11. Nutrition and calorie content of purple sweet potatoes.

Understanding Purple Sweet Potatoes

A purple sweet potato shares a similar shape to its orange counterpart, but its flesh is purple. Although not as sweet as the orange variety, purple sweet potatoes boast density, creaminess, and exceptional health benefits. The three main varieties of purple sweet potatoes are:

• Okinawan Purple Sweet Potato: Initially introduced to Japan from South America in the 1600s, this variety now flourishes in Hawaii, where it plays a significant role in Hawaiian culture.
• Molokai Purple Sweet Potato: These potatoes feature both purple skin and purple flesh and were developed on the island of Hawaii.
• Stokes Purple Sweet Potato: Originating in North Carolina, the Stokes variety boasts purple skin and deep purple flesh. It offers a unique texture and is slightly less sweet than orange sweet potatoes.

It’s important to note that while “ube” resembles a purple sweet potato, it is actually a yam commonly used in Filipino and Asian cuisine.

Sourcing Purple Sweet Potatoes

Sourcing purple sweet potatoes can be challenging as they are not widely available in stores. However, you can find reputable online sellers such as Friedas and Veggie Farm. It is recommended to purchase organic purple sweet potatoes directly from farmers to ensure they have not been treated with anti-sprouting chemicals.

Starting Purple Sweet Potato Slips

To grow purple sweet potatoes, you have two options: purchasing slips or sprouting your own potato. While slips can be purchased from select seed sellers, it may be easier to sprout your own potatoes. Several methods can be employed:

• Option 1: Cut the potato in half and place it flat side down in a dish filled with a small amount of water. The sprouts will emerge from the tip of the potato.
• Option 2: Fill a jar with water and use toothpicks to suspend the potato above the water, ensuring that the bottom half is submerged. The sprouts will develop from the top.
• Option 3: Bury a few potatoes in a shallow container filled with moist potting soil. Sprouts will emerge from the soil within a couple of weeks.

Tips for Growing Purple Sweet Potato Slips

When growing purple sweet potato slips, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Provide warmth: Purple sweet potatoes thrive in warm environments, so choose the warmest spot in your house or consider utilizing a greenhouse.
2. Ensure sufficient light: Once the potatoes sprout, the slips require ample light to grow. Install grow lights or place them near a well-lit window.
3. Separate slips at the appropriate length: Once the slips reach around 8 inches in length, you can cut them at the base and separate them from the potato.
4. Timing of planting: If the weather permits, you can plant the slips directly in the garden. However, if it’s too early in the season, keep them in water or utilize grow lights until it’s safe to transplant them outdoors.

Soil Preparation for Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes are versatile when it comes to soil requirements. They can thrive in regular garden soil with a pH of around 6. Adding compost is beneficial, but be cautious not to go overboard, as sweet potatoes prefer soil that is not overly rich. Additionally, avoid using compost or fertilizer with excessive nitrogen, as this can result in excessive vine growth and fewer potatoes underground. Focus on loose, well-draining soil and ensure a depth of at least 10 inches.

Planting Purple Sweet Potato Slips

Before planting your purple sweet potato slips, consider the following:

• Ideal temperatures: Wait until all danger of frost has passed and outside temperatures are consistently in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Soil temperature should be in the 60s for optimal growth.
• Planting process: Dig a hole approximately 6 inches deep, place the slip inside, and cover it with soil. Space the plants 12 inches apart, with rows 3 feet apart.
• Accommodating growth: Purple sweet potato vines tend to spread vigorously. Be prepared for them to take over walkways, but feel free to trim them back if necessary.
• Watering and mulching: Water thoroughly after transplanting and consider mulching with straw to retain moisture and provide some shade for the young plants.

Caring for Purple Sweet Potato Plants

Maintaining healthy purple sweet potato plants is relatively straightforward. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Weeding and pruning: Initially, some weeding may be required. However, as the plants spread, they will cover the ground, minimizing the need for additional weeding. If the vines become unruly, you can trim them back. Additionally, young purple sweet potato leaves can be harvested and used in salads.
• Pest management: The most common pests for sweet potatoes are rabbits, deer, sweet potato weevils, and wire-worms. Consider installing a fence to protect against rabbits and deer. Crop rotation is vital to prevent weevil and wire-worm infestations. Neem oil can be effective against weevils if necessary.
• Watering: Purple sweet potatoes require around 1 inch of water per week. Adjust watering accordingly, keeping in mind the natural rainfall in your area.

Harvesting Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes require a long growing season, preferably four to five months of warm summer weather. Harvesting should occur before the first frost, as sweet potatoes cannot tolerate cold temperatures. To determine the ideal time for harvesting, observe the vines as they flower and begin to turn yellow. At this point, the potatoes are ready for harvest.

When harvesting, gently dig around the plants, being careful not to damage the thin skin of the potatoes. Never wash the potatoes immediately after harvesting; instead, brush off the soil gently.

Curing and Storing Purple Sweet Potatoes

Curing your harvested purple sweet potatoes enhances their flavor and prolongs their storage life. Ideally, they should be cured in a location with a temperature of 85°F and 85% humidity for approximately ten days. However, if such conditions are not available, you can still store them successfully.

After curing, brush off any remaining soil and wrap each potato in newspaper before placing them in a cardboard box. Store the box in a cool place like a root cellar or basement. Prioritize the use of any damaged potatoes, as they will not store as well.

Cooking with Purple Sweet Potatoes

Cooking purple sweet potatoes is similar to cooking orange sweet potatoes. They can be baked, boiled, roasted, or fried. From delicious oven-baked sweet potato fries to mashed purple sweet potatoes, there are countless ways to enjoy this unique crop. Purple sweet potatoes can also be used to make nutritious and vibrant purple sweet potato chips.

Nutritional Value of Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes offer numerous health benefits. They are low in carbohydrates and fat while providing ample amounts of fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, and potassium. Additionally, purple sweet potatoes are particularly rich in antioxidants, contributing to their overall nutritional value.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of growing purple sweet potatoes is not only gratifying but also simple, even for beginners. With their vibrant color, unique flavor, and health benefits, purple sweet potatoes deserve a place in every garden. Whether you enjoy them baked, boiled, or roasted, these versatile tubers are sure to impress. So why not give them a try? Get started today and relish in the rewarding experience of growing your own purple sweet potatoes.