Sweet Potatoes: A Guide to Varieties and Cultivation
Introduction
Sweet potatoes are a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they are also relatively easy to grow. In this article, we will explore the different varieties of sweet potatoes, their characteristics, and how to grow them in your own garden.
Varieties of Sweet Potatoes
There are over 6,000 different varieties of sweet potatoes in the world, but only a fraction of these are grown in the United States. However, there are still plenty of varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and appearance.
- Covington: Rosy skin with deep orange flesh.
- Darby: Deep red skin, deep orange flesh, vigorous vines.
- Jewel: Coppery skin, bright orange flesh, semi-bush.
- Bunch Porto-Rico: Yellow-orange skin and flesh, compact bush.
- Excel: Orange-tan skin, coppery orange flesh, average to vigorous vines.
- Evangeline: Rosy skin with deep orange flesh.
- Heartogold: Tan skin, deep orange flesh, vigorous vines.
- Red Garnet: Reddish-purple skin, orange flesh, average vines.
- Vardaman: Pale orange skin, reddish-orange flesh, short vines.
- Murasaki: Reddish purple skin, white flesh.
- Golden Slipper (Heirloom): Pale orange skin and flesh, average vines.
- Carolina Ruby: Deep reddish-purple skin, dark orange flesh, average vines.
- O’Henry: Creamy white skin and flesh, semi-bush.
- Bienville: Pale rose skin, dark orange flesh.
- Envy: Pale orange skin and flesh, average vines.
- Sumor: Creamy tan skin, tan to yellow flesh, average vines.
- Hayman (Heirloom): Creamy skin and flesh, vigorous vines.
- Jubilee: Creamy skin and flesh, average vines.
- Nugget: Pinkish skin, pale orange flesh, average vines.
- Carolina Bunch: Pale coppery, orange skin and carrot-colored flesh, semi-bush.
- Centennial: Medium-large, semi-bush potatoes with copper skin and pale orange flesh.
- Bugs Bunny: Pinkish-red skin, pale orange flesh, vigorous vines.
- California Gold: Pale orange skin, orange flesh, vigorous vines.
- Georgia Jet: Reddish-purple skin, deep orange flesh, semi-bush.
Characteristics of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes vary in size, shape, and color. They can be round, oval, or elongated, and their skin can be white, yellow, orange, red, or purple. The flesh of sweet potatoes can also vary in color, from white to yellow to orange to purple.
Sweet potatoes are also classified by their sweetness. Some varieties are mild, while others are very sweet. The sweetness of a sweet potato is determined by its sugar content, which varies depending on the variety and the growing conditions.
Growing Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are relatively easy to grow in warm climates. They require full sun and well-drained soil. Sweet potatoes can be grown from slips (small plants that are started indoors) or from cuttings.
To grow sweet potatoes from slips, plant them in the soil about 12 inches apart. Water the plants regularly, and fertilize them every few weeks. Sweet potatoes will be ready to harvest in about 100 days.
To grow sweet potatoes from cuttings, take a cutting from a healthy sweet potato plant. The cutting should be about 6 inches long and have at least two nodes (the points where leaves grow). Plant the cutting in moist soil, and keep it warm and humid. The cutting will develop roots and begin to grow in about two weeks.
Harvesting Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest when the vines begin to die back. Dig the potatoes carefully using a spade or shovel. Avoid damaging the potatoes, as this can make them more susceptible to disease.
Storing Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes can be stored for several months in a cool, dark place. They should be stored in a single layer, and they should not be touching each other. Sweet potatoes can also be frozen for up to 1 year.
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in warm climates. There are many different varieties of sweet potatoes to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your taste and needs. With a little care, you can grow a bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes in your own garden.
