What are the key points for growing sweet potatoes? The latest detailed guide is here

Sweet potato is actually a general term for many tuberous crops, but since red sweet potato is the most common one in people's lives among all sweet potatoes, later sweet potato also became another name for red sweet potato. And now many new varieties of sweet potato have appeared, which not only have higher yields, but the cultivation of sweet potatoes has also changed somewhat compared with before, so let's take a look below at what issues still need attention when growing sweet potatoes now.

1. Planting time

Now the planting time for sweet potatoes is very broad, and it can be said that except for summer, planting can be done in the other seasons, but here I want to remind everyone about the best planting time in each season, so you can pay attention to this, as it can increase the yield of sweet potatoes. In spring, it is best to plant from the end of March to the beginning of April; in autumn, it is best to plant at the end of August; and in winter, it is best to plant around the middle of October. Finally, when planting, pay attention to choosing cloudy and rainy days, as this can increase the survival rate of sweet potatoes by at least about 5 percent.

2. Planting methods

There are many methods for planting sweet potatoes, but if we want to increase yield, it is best to choose these several cutting methods. Our first choice is the horizontal cutting method; the sweet potatoes produced by this planting method are relatively uniform, and the number of sweet potatoes formed is large, but the only drawback is that it is not drought tolerant. Second, we can use the direct planting method, so the sweet potatoes produced are larger. Finally, we can also choose the oblique insertion method, which gives the highest survival rate of sweet potatoes. Here I want to remind everyone that for the sweet potato seedlings used for cuttings, it is best to cut them into small sections with five leaves as one node, as this is more conducive to their survival and growth.

3. Weeding and lifting the vines

One point that needs more attention when growing new sweet potato varieties now is weeding and lifting the vines. After the sweet potato seedlings survive, we need to carry out one thorough intertillage and weeding. Next, when the sweet potato seedlings grow to about 40 cm, carry out the last intertillage and weeding. Then during the tuber growth period, our weeding is mainly by manual pulling, so that weeding will not damage the growth of sweet potatoes and can also reduce the consumption of nutrients. Secondly, while manually pulling weeds, we need to lift the vines of the sweet potato seedlings, which can prevent the vines from rooting and consuming nutrients.

4. Topping and pinching out the growing tips

Sweet potato cultivation in the past also required topping and pinching out the growing tips, except that at that time it was also necessary to remove some sweet potato seedlings in an appropriate amount, which could reduce the absorption of nutrients by branches and leaves and thereby promote tuber growth. Now, however, new varieties of sweet potatoes usually only need pinching out the growing tips, because their branches and leaves grow just right, neither consuming a large amount of nutrients nor failing to carry out photosynthesis and respiration well. By pinching out the growing tips, the excessive growth of the main vine can be prevented, thereby promoting the growth of side branches and meeting the standard for tuber expansion.

5. Water and fertilizer management

The growth of sweet potatoes requires sufficient water. During its growth period, we should maintain soil humidity at least around 60 percent. If the humidity is too high, drain water in time, otherwise it will cause stiff fruits or even rot in sweet potatoes. In the process of fertilizing, note that nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied in a one-sided way, as this will cause excessive growth of branches and leaves, and the sweet potato tubers will be unable to expand.