If you’re a Florida gardener, knowing when to plant sweet potatoes is the first step to a fantastic harvest. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting season for your specific region, ensuring your slips get the best possible start.
Sweet potatoes are a perfect crop for Florida’s long, warm growing season. They thrive in heat and are relatively low-maintenance once established. The key to success is timing your planting to avoid cool weather and to make the most of summer rains.
When To Plant Sweet Potatoes In Florida
The optimal planting window for sweet potatoes in Florida is quite long, but it centers around one key factor: soil temperature. Sweet potatoes are tropical plants that demand warm soil to grow their best.
Understanding Florida’s Planting Zones
Florida is divided into three main gardening regions, and each has a slightly different ideal schedule. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- North Florida (Zones 8-9): Plant from April through early July. Wait until the soil is thoroughly warm, usually well after the last spring frost.
- Central Florida (Zones 9b-10a): You have a wider window. Planting can run from March through July. The earlier in this period you plant, the larger your harvest can be.
- South Florida (Zones 10b-11): You can plant almost year-round, but the prime seasons are February to April and again in September. Avoid the peak of summer heat for planting if possible.
Why Soil Temperature is Crucial
Planting before the soil reaches at least 65°F can lead to slow growth or even cause the slips to rot. A soil thermometer is a valuable tool. For the fastest growth, aim for a soil temperature of 70°F or higher.
A good rule of thumb is to plant your sweet potato slips about 3-4 weeks after your last average spring frost date. The air temperature should be consistently warm, both day and night.
Seasonal Considerations for Planting
Spring planting is standard across most of the state. It allows the vines to establish before the heaviest summer rains and gives the roots plenty of time to develop before cooler fall weather.
In South Florida, a fall planting is also very successful. Planting in early fall allows the crop to mature during the drier, cooler winter months, which can sometimes improve flavor and storage quality.
What Happens if You Plant Too Early?
Slips planted in cold soil will just sit there. They won’t grow, and the stressed plants become targets for pests and diseases. It’s always better to wait a extra week for warmer conditions.
What Happens if You Plant Too Late?
Planting too late in the summer means the roots may not have enough time to fully size up before day length shortens and growth slows in the fall. You might end up with a lot of vine but only small, fingerling-sized tubers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Sweet Potato Slips
- Choose Your Variety: Select a variety suited for Florida, like ‘Beauregard’ (reliable, orange flesh), ‘Centennial’ (similar, good producer), or ‘White Yam’ (dry, white flesh).
- Prepare the Soil: Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil. They thrive in sandy Florida soil but will do well anywhere with added compost. Form raised mounds or rows 8-12 inches high to improve drainage and soil warmth.
- Plant the Slips: Plant slips 12-18 inches apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart. Bury the slip deep, so that only the top leaves are above the soil. This encourages root development along the stem.
- Water Thoroughly: Water them in well after planting to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
- Mulch Heavily: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, like pine straw or leaves, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil warm.
Caring for Your Growing Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are drought-tolerant but produce best with consistent moisture, especially during the first few weeks and when the roots are bulking up. Water deeply once a week if rain is lacking.
Fertilize sparingly. Too much nitrogen, especially later in the season, will produce huge vines at the expense of the roots. A balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting is usually sufficient for Florida’s often-fertile soils.
The main pest you’ll encounter is the sweet potato weevil. Rotate your crop location each year and use certified disease-free slips to minimize problems. Deer and rabbits may nibble vines; fencing is the best deterrent.
Harvesting and Curing Your Crop
Your sweet potatoes are ready to harvest about 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. A key sign is when the leaves begin to yellow slightly.
Use a garden fork to carefully lift the roots, starting from the side of the mound to avoid spearing them. Handle them gently, as bruises can lead to spoilage during storage.
The most critical step after harvest is curing. This process heals wounds and converts starches to sugars, improving flavor and shelf life.
- Brush off excess soil—do not wash them.
- Place them in a warm (80-85°F), humid (85-90% humidity) spot for 7-10 days. A shaded porch or garage often works in Florida.
- After curing, store your sweet potatoes in a cool (55-60°F), dry, and dark place. Properly cured, they can last for several months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting in heavy, poorly drained clay soil without amending it.
- Over-fertilizing, particularly with high-nitrogen mixes.
- Harvesting too early before the roots have reached a good size.
- Skipping the curing process, which drastically reduces storage life.
- Planting slips to close together, which results in smaller potatoes.
FAQ: Sweet Potato Planting in Florida
Can I grow sweet potatoes from a grocery store potato?
You can sprout slips from a store-bought sweet potato, but it’s not recommended. They may carry diseases or be treated with sprout inhibitors. It’s best to buy certified disease-free slips from a reputable nursery or online supplier.
What is the latest I can plant sweet potatoes in Central Florida?
For a decent harvest, aim to get your slips in the ground by mid-July at the absolute latest. Planting in August or September likely won’t give the roots enough warm growing days to mature properly.
Do sweet potatoes need full sun?
Yes, they require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for good root production. More sun is generally better for this heat-loving crop.
How often should I water sweet potato plants?
Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Established plants are quite drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture during the first month and the root-bulking stage (last 6 weeks) is important for size.
Can I plant sweet potatoes in containers?
Absolutely. Use a large container (at least 20 gallons) with excellent drainage. Choose a compact or “bush” variety and use a light, well-draining potting mix. Container plants will need more frequent watering.
Why are my sweet potato leaves turning yellow?
Slight yellowing at the end of the growing season is normal. If it happens early, it could be a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency. Check your soil moisture and drainage first.
By following this guide and timing your planting correctly for your Florida region, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting a generous crop of homegrown sweet potatoes. The warm Florida climate is ideal for them, making it one of the more rewarding crops you can grow in your garden. With a little patience and the right timing, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come.