ORLEANS
Product Description:
Slips are shipped Priority Mail directly from the growing fields, between mid-April and early June. Available only within the contiguous US. Sorry, not available to CA.
| Soil Temp for Transp | 65°F |
| Plant Spacing | 16-18" |
| Row Spacing | 12-24" |
| Fertilizer Needs | Medium |
Ipomoea batatas Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A. Although sweet potatoes and yams look alike, the yam is from a subtropical shrub that is native to Africa, while the sweet potato is from the American morning glory family.
Days to maturity are calculated from date of planting.
Culture
• Sweet potatoes should be planted in the garden when the weather has stabilized in late spring and nighttime temperatures are above 60°F
• The use of low tunnels or cold frames is highly recommended in cooler climates and northern states with shorter seasons
• Rototill or fork in a 2 inch thick layer of compost and bone meal
• Create 6-8 inch high raised beds
• Soil should be adequately draining; water thoroughly every 7-10 days
• Sweet potatoes require up to 1 inch of water per week throughout the season
Transplanting
• Plant slips deeply into raised beds, up to top leaves
• Live plants should be planted even with the soil
• Keep evenly moist until you see new growth
• If the soil temperature is less than 65°F, plant slips in 3-4 inch pots and keep them in a warm location until you can plant outside
Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Usually pest free
• Common diseases: Scurf
• Disease prevention: Remove all plant debris after harvest and practice good crop rotation
Harvest & Storage
• Harvest prior to first frost after the weather cools in the fall
• To cure, brush off the soil and place the sweet potatoes in a warm, dry area (80-85°F and 80-90% relative humidity) for 7-14 days
• After curing, handle carefully and store them at 50-60°F