Harvesting Sweet Potato Plants
Most varieties of sweet potato will mature within 3-5 months, so, if your location is known for having short growing seasons, be sure to choose varieties with an appropriate maturity time.
NOTE: This is part 8 in a series of 8 articles. For a complete background on how to grow sweet potato plants, we recommend starting from the beginning.
Timing is Key: Harvest sweet potatoes when they have reached full maturity, typically between 90-100 days after planting. The vines will start to yellow and wither, indicating that it’s time for harvest.
Loosen the Soil: Before harvesting, gently loosen the soil around the sweet potato plants using a garden fork or shovel. This makes it easier to lift the tubers without causing damage.
Handle with Care: Be gentle when handling sweet potatoes to avoid bruises or cuts. Use your hands or a tool to carefully lift the tubers from the soil.
Cut Vines and Remove Excess Soil: Trim the vines away from the sweet potatoes and shake off excess soil. Avoid washing the sweet potatoes at this stage, as dampness can lead to rot during storage.
Inspect for Damage or Disease: Inspect each sweet potato for cuts, bruises, or signs of disease during and after harvesting. Discard any damaged tubers to prevent them from affecting the others during storage.
Cure Before Storage: Cure sweet potatoes by placing them in a warm (85-90°F or 29-32°C) and humid (85-90%) environment for 10-14 days. This process allows the skins to harden, extending storage life.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place: After curing, store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Ideal storage conditions include temperatures between 55-60°F (13-16°C) and low humidity.
