If you’re planning your garden in central Texas, knowing when to plant sweet potatoes is crucial for a successful crop. For optimal harvest timing, you need to sync your planting with our long, hot growing season.
Getting this timing right means the difference between a bounty of large, tasty tubers and a disappointing yield. This guide will walk you through the best dates, varieties, and methods to get it right.
When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Central Texas
The prime planting window for sweet potato slips in central Texas is from mid-April through mid-June. The soil must be warm—consistently above 65°F is ideal.
A good rule of thumb is to plant 3-4 weeks after your last average spring frost date. For areas like Austin, San Antonio, and Waco, this typically falls in early to mid-April.
Why Timing is Everything
Sweet potatoes are tropical plants. They thrive in heat and humidity but are very sensitive to cold. Planting too early in cool soil can stunt growth or rot the slips.
Planting too late, however, doesn’t give the tubers enough long, warm days to size up properly before cooler fall weather arrives. Aiming for that April to June window hits the sweet spot.
Key Factors for Your Planting Date
- Soil Temperature: This is non-negotiable. Use a soil thermometer. Wait until the soil at 4 inches deep holds at 65°F for several days.
- Air Temperature: Nights should reliably be above 50°F. A late cold snap can be devastating.
- Variety Days to Maturity: Check your slip variety. Most need 90-120 frost-free days to produce good-sized tubers.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil. They will struggle in heavy, compacted clay common in our region.
Soil Amendment Steps
- Choose a sunny spot. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 10-12 inches.
- Mix in several inches of compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth instead of tubers.
- Form raised mounds or ridges about 8-10 inches high. This improves drainage and soil warmth, which is key in central Texas.
Choosing the Right Slips for Texas
Selecting a heat-tolerant variety is a smart move. You can buy slips from local nurseries or online suppliers.
- Beauregard: The classic choice. Reliable, produces well in heat, and has good disease resistance.
- Centennial: Another popular, orange-fleshed variety that handles our summers well.
- Georgia Jet: Known for its faster maturity (around 90 days), good if you’re planting a bit late.
- White or Purple Skinned Varieties: Like ‘O’Henry’ or ‘Purple Passion’. These often have different growth habits, so check their specific needs.
How to Plant Your Slips
- Water your slips thoroughly before planting.
- On your prepared ridge, space holes 12-18 inches apart. Rows should be 3-4 feet apart.
- Plant each slip deep, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. This encourages more root development along the buried stem.
- Water them in well to settle the soil.
Caring for Your Growing Sweet Potatoes
Once established, sweet potatoes are relatively low-maintenance, which is perfect for our busy summers.
Watering Schedule
Water deeply once a week if there’s no rain. They are drought-tolerant but produce better with consistent moisture, especially in the first 4-6 weeks. Reduce watering significantly during the last 3-4 weeks before harvest to let the tubers cure on the vine and develop there sweetness.
Weeding and Vine Management
Weed carefully early on. Once the vines spread, they’ll shade out most weeds. Don’t worry about the vines “rooting” at the joints—this is normal and doesn’t harm yield. In fact, it can help stabilize soil moisture.
Pest Watch in Central Texas
- Flea Beetles: They make small holes in leaves. Usually, healthy plants can outgrow minor damage.
- Sweet Potato Weevils: A serious pest. Use certified disease-free slips and practice crop rotation to avoid them.
- Deer & Rabbits: They may munch on leaves. Fencing is the most effective deterrent.
Harvesting for Optimal Timing
This is where your careful planting pays off. Harvest before the first fall frost. In central Texas, this is usually late October to early November.
Signs they are ready: the leaves and vines start to yellow slightly. You can also gently dig around one plant to check tuber size.
The Harvest Process
- Use a garden fork, not a shovel, to avoid spearing tubers.
- Loosen the soil about 18 inches away from the main stem, then lift the whole plant.
- Handle the tubers gently; their skin is tender at harvest.
Curing and Storage
This step is essential for sweet potatoes from your garden to store well. It heals wounds and converts starches to sugars.
- Brush off excess soil—do not wash them.
- Place them in a warm (80-85°F), humid place for 10-14 days. A shaded porch or garage often works in our fall climate.
- After curing, store them in a cool (55-60°F), dark, and dry place. Properly cured sweet potatoes can last for months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I plant sweet potatoes from the grocery store?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought potatoes are often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases. It’s best to buy certified disease-free slips.
What if I miss the spring planting window?
You can plant as late as early July, but choose a fast-maturing variety (like ‘Georgia Jet’) and be prepared for a somewhat smaller yield.
How do I know my soil is warm enough?
Invest in a simple soil thermometer. If you don’t have one, a folk method is to sit bare soil with the palm of your hand—if it feels comfortably warm, not cool, it’s likely ready.
Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers?
Absolutely. Use a large container (20-gallon or bigger) with excellent drainage. A fabric grow bag is a great option, as it prevents them from becoming water-logged.
Why are my plants all leaves and no potatoes?
This usually points to too much nitrogen in the soil or harvesting too early. Remember, they need those 90+ days of growth to focus energy on the roots. Also, avoid over-fertilizing.