What are the latest points to note when growing purple sweet potatoes?
The purple sweet potato is a variety of the sweet potato family, and it is also called black sweet potato. Its nutritional value is much higher than that of ordinary sweet potato, and it is also one of the main raw materials for anthocyanins, so the economic value of purple sweet potato is now much higher than that of ordinary sweet potato. Purple sweet potato is mainly distributed in areas of our country with a relatively mild climate throughout the year, such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Fujian and other places. So when growing purple sweet potatoes, what points do we need to pay attention to? Let's take a look below.
1. Temperature
The temperature suitable for the growth of purple sweet potato stems and leaves is between 18 and 25 degrees, while the temperature suitable for tuber growth is between 22 and 24 degrees. If the temperature is below 15 degrees, the stems and leaves of purple sweet potato will not grow, and when the temperature is below 20 degrees, the tubers of purple sweet potato will also stop growing. So we need to pay attention to controlling the temperature for purple sweet potato planting and adjust the temperature appropriately.
2. Time
The time for growing purple sweet potato seedlings and the time for cuttings planting are different. Generally, we sow and raise seedlings around the middle of February each year, and of course the surface temperature must reach about 15 degrees before seedlings can be raised. The seedling raising period is about three months, so the time for cuttings planting is usually around the middle of May each year. Of course, if the temperature in some areas is relatively high, the planting time can also be chosen between March and April each year.
3. Mulching with film
When growing purple sweet potatoes, covering with plastic film is also a relatively important step. In order to promote the rapid emergence of purple sweet potato seed potatoes, after planting the seed potatoes we need to cover them with a layer of plastic film. Before covering with plastic film, we need to first cover the seeds with fine soil, then put on a layer of decomposed barnyard manure, and finally lay the plastic film on top, pressing the edges firmly with soil.
4. Density
When just sowing and raising seedlings, the row spacing for planting can be 30 cm and the plant spacing can be 5 to 6 cm. When the seedlings grow to about 10 cm later, it is best to carry out one round of divided planting. When dividing plants, the row spacing is 70 cm and the plant spacing is 35 cm. When carrying out cuttings planting, we usually plant with a spacing of 60 to 80 cm between rows and 30 to 40 cm between plants. Usually, the planting density per mu is more than 3,000 plants, but it is best not to exceed 3,500 plants.
5. Vine control
Vine control is an important step in promoting the enlargement of purple sweet potato tubers. When the stems and leaves of purple sweet potato grow to about 40 to 50 cm, we should promptly lift and arrange the purple sweet potato vines in the field, then tear off the root hairs, and properly prune some stems and leaves to promote the growth of side branches. At the same time, we should promptly pinch off the growing tips and must not let the stems and leaves grow excessively, so as to avoid excessive nutrient loss and affect the yield and quality of purple sweet potato.
The above are some issues that need attention when growing purple sweet potatoes. I believe everyone has also gained some understanding of this aspect, and these are also some factors that are often overlooked during the growing process. If you want to learn more about purple sweet potato cultivation, remember to follow us, or leave a message for the editor for consultation.