Makatea white Sweet Potato Vine
Pre-purchase for 2nd week of May pick up. Include phone # so you can be contacted upon arrival. One plant comes rooted in a 5' pot for $7.98
The sweet potatoes that grow on this vine are pale in color with white flesh and delicious in all kinds of dishes—plus, the chartreuse foliage is great for adding to mixed salads. The vine grows quickly in the garden or even in large containers, where it will grow masses of charming heart-shaped, pointed leaves. Plant in full sunlight for best results, and keep the soil moist by watering once a week (or more, if growing in a particularly hot, dry climate).
PLANTING AND GROWING
Sweet potatoes like it hot ! Plant these in the garden at least 1-2 weeks after the last chance of frost.
Plant sweet potatoes in a sunny, warm location about 12-18 inches apart and allow 3 feet between rows. Sweet potato seedlings in pots have a tendency to become rootbound. When the roots ( which turn into sweet potatoes) begin to grow they will often circle around the inside of the pot. If rootbound before planting cut a good portion of the roots off of the bottom and loosen the remaining roots. Feed the plants bi-weekly with a Tomato or fruit & vegetable fertilizer.
HARVEST AND STORAGE
Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest as the ends of the vines begin to yellow, just before frost.
Sweet potatoes need a period of curing to bring out their sweetness. Shake off soil and store your unwashed sweet potatoes in a warm well ventilated location. As they cure the flesh will become sweeter and more nutritious. After 10 days move your sweet potatoes to a cool, dry spot, do not refrigerate or store below 50 F. Cured sweet potatoes will keep for up to 6 months.