When Does One Harvest Sweet Potatoes?

@gtargirl (5376)
United States
October 16, 2008 8:25pm CST
We've never planted sweet potatoes before. When do you harvest them? Our red potatoes we just pulled out when they started to bloom--pretty flowers by the way. But these have no flowers and the green leaves seem to be creeping along the ground. Are we mistaken . . . are they not the sweet potatoes? LOL. Yeah, it's our first time with these vegetable gardens. Any info would be appreciated.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
17 Oct 08
You start to harvest them when the leaves start turning yellow. The tubers can be as far as 3 foot from the main plant. Be sure to let them dry a few hours in the sun to help cure them. Then let them cure more in a a warm, humid place for a couple of weeks. The kitchen is an ideal place. For long storage, wrap individual tubers in newspaper and store them in a 55F to 60F basement. I hope you have a large harvest. I love sweet potatoes.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
17 Oct 08
Ah, you're awesome! I have printed up your answer, hope you don't mind. We don't have a basement but we'll find a cool spot somewhere. Thanks again.
1 person likes this
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
17 Oct 08
No I don't mind. We are here on myLot to share when and what information we can. Best of luck with the sweet potatoes
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
17 Oct 08
No i don't mind if your print this off. Thats what we are here on myLots for to share what we know. Best of luck with the sweet potatoes
@GardenGerty (169450)
• United States
17 Oct 08
I have not grown them. I would say one of two things. First, stick your hand down around one of the plants, and if the tubers are large enough, dig them up, or second rule might be that you harvest them when the tops die back.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
17 Oct 08
Thanks GardenGerty, we are now looking at the tops to either die or turn yellow . . . from what I gather. Thanks for the info.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
18 Oct 08
hm not sure on them I know we used to pick up spuds in Oct in Idaho when I was going up then they got conveter belts alot easier then lol . Try digging just one up and see what it looks like!