Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable, often prized for their sweetness and rich orange flesh. While growing sweet potatoes is relatively easy, knowing when to harvest them is crucial to ensure a flavorful and bountiful crop. This guide will walk you through the signs that indicate your sweet potatoes are ready for harvest, the right timing, and how to harvest them properly.
Maturity of the Plants
Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest between 90 and 120 days after planting, depending on the variety. To determine maturity, check the seed packet or growing instructions for your specific type of sweet potato. Keep track of the planting date so you can estimate when the crop should be ready.
Signs on the Vines
A key indicator that sweet potatoes are ready to harvest is the condition of the vines. As the plants approach maturity, the leaves and vines will begin to yellow and wither. While some yellowing of leaves can happen naturally, widespread yellowing or browning indicates that the growing season is nearing its end, and it’s time to start thinking about harvesting.
However, don't wait too long after the vines die back, as sweet potatoes left in the ground for too long after the vines have died can become more susceptible to rot or damage from cold weather.
The Weather Factor
Sweet potatoes are a warm-weather crop, so it's essential to harvest them before the first frost. Exposure to frost can damage the roots, causing them to develop an off flavor and making them less suitable for storage. If frost is expected, it’s time to dig up your sweet potatoes, even if they haven’t reached their full maturity.
It’s better to err on the side of caution and harvest a little early than to risk frost damage.
Size Check
If you're unsure whether your sweet potatoes are ready for harvest, perform a size check. Gently dig around the base of the plant and uncover one or two sweet potatoes. If they’ve reached a good size—typically about 3 to 4 inches in diameter—they're ready to harvest. Be careful not to damage the roots when checking, as damaged tubers are more prone to spoilage.
Harvesting Method
Once you’ve determined that your sweet potatoes are ready to harvest, the next step is digging them up. Use a garden fork or shovel, starting about 12 to 18 inches away from the base of the plant to avoid piercing the tubers. Lift the soil gently and remove the sweet potatoes by hand, being careful to avoid damaging the delicate skins.
After harvest, it's essential to cure the sweet potatoes to enhance their sweetness and improve storage. Place the freshly harvested sweet potatoes in a warm, humid environment (about 85°F with 80-90% humidity) for 7 to 10 days. After curing, store them in a cool, dark place with good ventilation for long-term storage.
Harvesting sweet potatoes at the right time ensures that you’ll have a delicious and abundant crop. By keeping an eye on the maturity date, observing the condition of the vines, and monitoring the weather, you can determine the optimal time to dig up your sweet potatoes. Properly harvesting and curing the sweet potatoes will enhance their flavor and storage life, allowing you to enjoy your homegrown harvest for months to come.