Q. When will my order be shipped?
A. Orders will be shipped to you according to the recommended planting date for your area, usually mid- to late-May. Sweet potato plants do best when the ground temperature is close to 70 degrees; they need warm soil to take root and optimum growth. *If your zip code begins with numbers 800-990 (western US) we recommend choosing Priority Shipping in order to assure quick delivery and optimum plant freshness upon arrival.*
Q. How will I store my plants if time or weather does not allow me to set them when they arrive?
A. While plants should be set in the cool of the evening the day they arrive, we know that isn’t always practical.
If it will be a few days till planting, place them in some moist soil in a shady, cool location.
Q. Upon arrival, I found my plants to be wilted. What should I do?
A. This is normal, due to the plants being boxed and shipped. Don’t be alarmed! Sweet potato plants are very
tough and resilient. Once plants are placed in watered soil, they will instantly begin to thrive. If your schedule/weather prevents quick planting, just place them in water, just enough to cover the roots, but not so much that it reaches the foliage.
Q. How far apart should the plants be set?
A. Plants should be set on a ridge of loose soil, approximately 12 inches apart with rows spaced 36 inches apart.
Fertilize may be added during ridge preparation.
Q. What do I need to do after I set them?
A. After setting the plants, it is recommended the area be kept free of weeds and grass to eliminate competition
for nutrients and water.
If the soil becomes too dry, watering may be necessary to sustain a vibrant plant.
Q. When will my sweet potatoes be ready to eat?
A. While the length of maturity can vary depending on variety, at around 90 days you can dig in to a hill
and check the size of the sweet potato to determine if they have achieved the size for your needs.
Q. My sweet potatoes are ready to harvest. What do I do?
A. While digging the sweet potatoes, use care to not damage them with bruises or cuts. After digging, curing time is needed to allow the starches in the sweet potato to convert to sugar; that’s what makes them sweet! For fastest curing, place them in a warm (approximately 80-85 degrees) dark, well-ventilated area for 5-7 days. This also allows them to heal any injuries incurred during harvest, and prevent further damage/rot. After curing, store them in a cool, dry place with a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees. They should be left untouched until you are ready
to cook them and enjoy one of nature’s healthiest, most nutritious foods!
