Sweet Potato Plants

Sweet Potato Plants FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Sweet Potato Plants in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to Plant Sweet Potato Plants

Sweet potato plants should be planted in late spring, once the soil has thoroughly warmed and all danger of frost has passed—typically around May or June in the UK. These plants need a long growing season of warm weather to develop properly. Plant the slips in well-drained, fertile soil that’s been enriched with organic matter, spacing them about 30 cm apart in rows that are 75 cm apart. Choose a sunny spot where the plants will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day to ensure they thrive.

How to Grow Sweet Potato Plants

Growing sweet potato plants is straightforward, provided you give them the warmth and space they need. Start by planting the slips deeply enough to cover at least two sets of leaves, then water them thoroughly. Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-drained soil, so adding compost or well-rotted manure can help improve soil structure. As the plants grow, their vines will spread and cover the ground, which helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater, as sweet potatoes are susceptible to rot. Mulching around the plants can help maintain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.

How Long Does It Take to Harvest Sweet Potato Plants?

Sweet potato plants typically take 16 to 20 weeks to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. They are usually ready to harvest in late summer or early autumn. You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die back. Carefully dig up the tubers with a garden fork, taking care not to damage them. Once harvested, sweet potatoes should be cured for about a week in a warm, humid environment to enhance their sweetness and improve their storage life. Properly cured sweet potatoes can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.

Why Grow Sweet Potato Plants?

There are many reasons to grow sweet potato plants in your garden. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including high levels of vitamins A and C, making them a healthy choice for any diet. They are also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, suitable for roasting, baking, mashing, or even making into desserts. Sweet potato plants are relatively easy to care for, and their vines can help to suppress weeds and conserve moisture in your garden. Growing your own sweet potatoes ensures you have a fresh, chemical-free harvest that’s often more flavourful than store-bought options.

Where Can You Grow Sweet Potato Plants?

Sweet potato plants thrive in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. They can be grown in traditional garden beds, raised beds, or large containers, making them a flexible option for gardeners with limited space. In cooler climates, using black plastic mulch or a cloche can help warm the soil and extend the growing season. Sweet potatoes need room to spread out, so ensure they have enough space to grow their vines. With the right care and conditions, sweet potato plants can flourish in most UK gardens, providing you with a unique and rewarding crop.

Why Sweet Potatoes from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Sweet Potato Plants.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.