Ornamental Sweet Potatoes

Randbponder, We did something similar when I was a kid, usually for school projects. We cut off the bottom and semi-submerged it in a jar of water. We put the toothpicks into the sides. They would sit on the top lip of the jar and keep the potato from falling in. When I started this last year I thought that a potato that had not been cut would be less likely to rot and by laying it on the side there was more potato surface to make roots and starters. My method worked very well last year lots of sprouts and no rotting potatoes but this year I had a lot of trouble with rotting, although I did end up with a lot of plants, I didn't get even close to what I had hoped. Next year I'll try both methods. I have a Margarita and a Blackie that I will be growing in the corner of my garden just to see how many potatoes I will get. The rest go into window boxes and although I did get quite a few from them last year. I just want to see what I will get from an unfettered plant. Funny how so many people find this simple method and simple plant so interesting. We gardeners just love to watch things grow.

I'm going to pipe in here with a personal observation.

I use to try to root many different plants only to watch them rot. Then one day a stem started to take ( think it was an angel-winged bagonia) and roots everywhere. So I tried another just like it and it rotted. Back to square one...after many more failures I figured it out (hopefully, I won't look stupid to some)

It was the see through container! As long as I use something see though (or almost, ie glad containers or a glass) they root like mad.

Since switching to glass I have a 97% success rate.

Fran

I use see through containers for rooting also -- makes it easier to watch for those roots to start forming, too!

I think it also really helps to change the water regularly (even every day) in your rooting containers to prevent rot. I keep a little collection of rooting jars at the back of my kitchen sink, where the counter serves as a pass-through to the morning room. They get plenty of light there without being in direct sun, and it's easy to remember to refill the containers regularly when they are right by the sink. :-)

I just bought an ornamental sweet potato plant at the farmer's market... looks like a Tri-Color (pink and white variegation).

And thanks to this thread, I know just what to do with it!

:-)

I don't really think it is all in the person or the method. Some tubers may have been bruised, and may be destined to have a place start to rot. Then puting them in water; is just like throwing another log on the fire. I did have some of the tubers, start to get a soft spot, and had to cut the soft area out and use that tuber quick or I would have to of thrown the whole thing out.
So no reason to say I failed, I must not have a green thumb, so I guess I can't do it.
LOL Russ

OK! I have to ask a question here....

The store-bought sweet potatoes you all are rooting, what do the leaves and the plant look like? Are they like the Ornamental SP's?
Got any pictures to show me?

I am not sure, but I know what the tater looks like at the bottom of the pale green ornamental SP. Remember--I told you a way up there that I eat them and they are yummy. Those potatoes are almost bright red when wet, sort of like regular red potatoes. Texture is different too as is the color of the insides. So--it is not the same as a store Yam (sweet potato).

Just want to know if what you all are getting from the store ones can be used in containers to hang down like thew ornamentals.

Thanks, Gita

Hmmmm There is some difference between the varieties of the table SPs. The Centenial that I an growing, The leaves are slightly heavier. A little glossier or waxie like. The vines may get heavier than most of the ornamentals. But my sister used them as a house plant for many years. I will take a picture of what is still in the house. will have to wait till tomorrow for the ones in the garden. We have a rather hot wind since I planted them. They are a little sunburned right now. but first theornamentials.



Tricolor

Sweet Caroline light green. The Marguerite is simular in texture and color. but the leaves are not as deply cut

This message was edited May 19, 2007 10:58 PM

This message was edited May 22, 2007 3:34 PM

Sweet Caroline purple

These are store bought SPs that I cut off the tops and placed in water glasses.
You can see how the sprouts are growing.
I was trying to do all the ornamentials first, but my program is messing up. I seem to have lost the file again. Probably need to clean out a bunch of things again.

Yup having trouble. I can find them, but not by clicking browse???????
Work on that later. It's late gone to bed Russ

Well I have all my ornamentals planted. each in it's own area. I am trying to make sure they don't cross or anything. as I would like to sprout and root a bunch of each varity, for next years Iowa RU.
The plant swap is really fun way of getting more variety in your flower garden. without breaking you up in business.
But some times makes you prepare a new spot for different plants. lol lol
I still don't have all the plants I brought back, planted. I'm still trying to compleat a shade garden, as well as get the rest of the gardening done. and mowing the yards that I agreed to do.
It's all fun though so it's Ok.

This is a great forum. I have some window boxes I usually plant with petunias and impatiens; but as the summer months heat up they start looking a bit sad by August/Sept. This year I put some polymer crystals in them and they're looking better. But when I replant I'm definitely going to put in the spv's. I have a bunch as ground cover near the swimming pool. I didn't think of cuttings - duh.... plus I have a berm with lantana - just like gapeahen's front drive entry way. I think some spv's would look nice there also.

Here's another pic of the front planters..

That is neat, an I like the little bird houses tucked inbetween the planters. I like that.
I'm working on a secluded garden, behind the house. It isn't very big, but Ihave been thinking about putting bird houses on the wood fence. that helps to enclose that area. I am trying to get some clemattis started to cover the fence. I have started several but then tried to move them. only to loose them. Need to do it right the first time.
Thanks for sharing the pics

Orchid, very pretty, I love the way you have planted and decorated such nice sitting areas.
Rand, I planted one of my Blackies and one of my Margaritas in the veggie garden to give them plenty of room to grow those potatoes for next year. And I made real sure that they weren't anywhere close to each other. No question about what plant those potatoes will be comming from.

It does get interesting, doesn't it.
The only tubers I've seen are the store bought or the Centenials that I raised. I have never raised the ornamentals to get the tubers before.
So seeing them will be a first for me. I have tried to grow the blacky in a container but they died. I think I moved it outside in the sun too quick.
So now in the one garden, next to the flowers. I did plant both Sweet Carolines, The purple and the chartruce ( green), fairley close. Then on the other end of that garden I put the ace of spades.
I put 2 blackies close to a short retainer wall beside the flag pole. Then between the cave door, and the neighbors fence. I put two tricolors.
The tricolors are going great guns. I don't even have their trellis done and they are half way up on it already. I just need to tie it to the posts a little better, so it don't fall down. I'm just using steel posts and plastic fence with about 1" square holes for the trellis. Nothing fancy, this year.
When I make a place for them. I will have to put some plastic or fiberglass edging around the area to keep the brome grass from sneaking into their space. and of course a weed barrier and mulch. or I will end up with a weed patch. The weeds will grow where nothing else will.
Think I need to retire from being the gardener for the church. Mowing isn't too bad, but they are kind of adding things like pruning the rose bushes, trimming some of the bushes, and weeding around all the plants. Well shut my mouth I shouldn't say any thing. But it does put an extra iron in the fire. Oh well nuff said.

My Blackie bloomed today with a beautiful purple flower. Never seen one do that, will try to get a pic tomorrow..

My blackies have had several pinkish-purplish flowers. The remind me of morning glories.

Yep, thats just the color... guess it's all in the family!

Mine bloomed too! What a nice surprise. Looks very similar to mexican petunias to me.

Isn't it always the way?

I followed all the instructions and babysat my store-bought potato for nearly a month before it rotted and I had to toss it. I bought a couple of SPs for eatin' a couple of weeks ago (but never did) and they've been in my pantry since. I pulled them out today and they are LOADED with slips. LOL! Suppose it's too late in the season to try and do anything with them?

Lala_jane. I don't think it is that late. SPs don't really need that long of a growing season. The only thing I'm thinking is you will soon be going into the hot part of the year. They may need a little extra water to get a good start. Mine are just starting to take off now. And I do mean " just ".
as they are pretty small yet. I started mine from the slips and rooted them a little early. They were not hardened off when I planted them.
So they suffered a little set back. I have planted them in june before too and they still made good tubers. Some were just a little smaller. They tasted just as good. Don't have a pic right now but will take one tomorrow, so you will see what I mean. I have left them in the ground untill the first frost several times. but then I have also harvested them 2 or 3 weeks earlier. Last year I got this one a couple weeks before frost. And left some untill frost. ( Some body said it looked like a turkey). With just the two of us it was enough for four meals. That one was 6 and a half lbs.

This message was edited Jun 8, 2007 4:26 PM

LOL - that picture looked like a rather orange, deformed chicken when I first glanced at it....

Yeah My next older Brother Always had to out do me on nearly every thing. Well, That was one he didn't quite get the job done. You know if it wasn't bigger, it was earlier. or more under each hill. Yup he was kind of quiet, this time LOL I had several that were 4 lb. but most were around 2-3lb. I don't expect any that big under the ornamentals. I thought I had all my garden in but then a friend gave me a 1/2 Doz Tomatoes he had sent for. Suposed to be super large tomatoes. Couldn't pass that up, so I tilled up another spot. and planted them. I had been trying to figure out how I was going to put in the rest of the peppers, that I started. So now I have the room for them as well.
Maybe even some early water melons, If I get plants.
I'm rambling too much. on this forum. so I'll shut up .

I just found this thread - how excellent! I just planted out my little slip from a store bought potato two years ago - that suffered through the winter in a very small container. I was going to throw it out as I needed the container and saw that it had a tiny 1" bulb. Can't throw out something THAT determined to grow. Repotted it and stuck it under grow lights until the threat of snow was over. Stuck it in the ground last week and it's taking off - seems to like the 90*F weather. I know they aren't winter hardy here at all, but I am thinking that I am going to definitely try to create a bunch of starts next year and use them as a summer ground cover. I have several dozen rooting jars. I think I have a plan for TDay gardening activities forming!... unless, of course, they still have sweet potatoes at the market this time of year! Thanks for all the great info!

Hi; kmom246, Welcome aboard. A sweet potato is a sweet potato.
Some of the ornamentals, have a little fancier leaf or a little different color. They will all make a neat ground cover. and, if you wind up with plenty tubers, they are all edible. I have a dozen plants in the garden, just for eating. Have several of the ornamentals, trying to get a good start, for next year. as I have several places I want them in amongst the flowers as well. I also want to have extra slips ready for next years, RU. for plant trades. ((*-*)) I ran out of my own tubers, and bought 3 from the store. Only used 2 for the meal we had planed. when we used the 3rd. one it had some sprouts showing, on the one end. so I am still rooting a few slips. and plan to see if they too will produce good tubers, eventhough the others are going to be ahead of them.
So I know what you mean about not throwing out something that is determined to grow.
True they are not winter hardy, but they do keep well in a cool dry place. just like a regular potato.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Russ

Does it make a difference what kind of sweet potatoe? How can you tell the difference in them?

ejennings; That could be a multiple question.. If you are looking for a ornamental S/P, There are two main colors, purple and light green . Then there is the tri color leaf.. then there is the shape of the leaves.. They have names like sweet caroline lime green, sweet caroline purple. both have leaves shaped a little like maple leaf only with smooth cuts, instead of the sharper cuts. Then the Blackie looks more like a maple leaf and is a dark purple leaf. there are more variations. all ornamentals are hybridized for a particular leaf shape or color, and a disreguard for flavor of the tuber. (The store bought S/P) There are a lot of varities there as well. Most of those are bred for flavor, uniform size and color of the tuber as well as to best yeild for an area or temp zone and eye appeal of the tuber. Just stand by and someone from your area will probably say which variety is best for them. I have the Centennial variety in my garden, Georgia jet would do just as well.
I didn't mention any thing about the blosoms on any S/Ps but there is some attention blosom color and size on the ornamentals.
I was trying to find some of my pictures. I know they are hiding somewhere in this computer, This one is extra big and not uniform. it is a centennial from my garden. most were more uniform.

Randbponder, Thanks that was a great description. My Blackies are flowering and I wanted to post a picture, but just didn't get around to taking any. The flowers are beautiful although far and few between and mostly hidden in the beautiful foliage.

Holly I have the pictures I took when they were all in little pots. but they are kind of hidden in in my doc files. I was trying to post them. but it was just setting there ( thinking) or locked up) after I found them. and had every thing ready to send. Think I will have to see if I can move them into another file that is more easily accessed. or take new pics and delete the ones that seem to want to stay hidden. I think I have a very stubborn program, for the pictures. as when I click on browse, they are not there. I have to open another screen and search. when I find them I know I can move one at a time. But I forgot how. ( Old body old brains; New computer. LOL

Well I have hilled up around all my sweet potatoes, includeing the ornamentals. They are really starting to run. If every thing continues I should have a good crop. and have a bunch of ornamental tubers as well. It is dry now so I have to water almost every other or at least 3 times in a 2 week period.
They are forcasting rain Tuesday and Wensday. sure hope they are right. My lawn is brown, except for the weeds that always seem to flurish even in hot dry weather.
Just thought I would say Hi Yall, have a good day.

Mine are running so far... I need to trim them back, can I root the cuttings, or should I just poke them in soil?
Fran

You can still get any you cut back to root. If you just poke them in the soil, they may not get enough moisture to root. You can get the cuttings to root by sticking the one end in a glass of water. Then plant it deep enough, to have the roots in good moist soil. and water the new plant well. When I am trying to get all the slips I need, I try to get most from just breaking the sprouts off the potato. But I have cut a long sprout into sections with a min of two leaves, then dip the end into a rooting hormone and stick the end in water. However I have never cut mine back after haveing them in the garden. I'm not sure how much vine would be necessary, for feeding the tubers. I would like to hear what farmerdill would have to say on triming back. Let me see if I can get an answer on that. Lets give him a shout.

I rooted plain old cuttings in a glass of water and planted them out and they have been ok. But I am using them as ornamentals and not trying for tuber production (even though the original was from a sweet potato from the grocery). They seem to need copious amounts of water when they start out - but I'm not sure if that is because I live in the desert or if it is because they are generally super thirsty when starting out. Pretty much everything likes lots of water here, even things that generally like it a little on the dry side.

kmom I just sent farmerdill a Dmail. Asked his opinion on trimming back. I wasn't sure if Frans530 was asking about ornamental or geting tubers for the table. I probably wouldn't have to use a rooting powder on the S/P cuttings, but I just got into a habit of doing it that way.
I am raising them for the table as well as several ornamentals. I want tubers from them as well, so I can start a bunch of slips for the IARU next May. I wouldn't have room in the house to over winter all 6 of the ornamentals. I have supplied 3 doz S/P plants for trade at this springs RU. I felt it was pretty much a hit. That is the reason I want a bunch of tubers from the ornamentals as well as the table taders.

I was asking all the questions above..

Can a tuber form from a cutting?
Should I root in water or direct in soil?
Do I snip the end of the vine with a few sets of leaves?
Can I root a center piece... ie the vine is 7 foot long, how many pieces can I root or is it just the end piece?

And thousands more questions... just can't think of them right now.
Fran

Farmerdill wrote

{Russ, I don't trim back (prune) either. It certainly does not hurt the plant to snip off the end of a few vines ( 6-8 inches) and using them as new plants. Sweet potato vines are amazing in that you can put these clippings with about 2 inches sticking out of the ground and they will take just like slips. Some of the long vining types that run all over the place you can trim to hold them to a manageble space, but I would not remove more than 15-20% of the vine. Except for removing a few cuttings to use as slips, I would not trim the short vine (bunch) types at all.}
frans, I may have misunderstood your question.
It sounds like you have a s/p for a center peice. and not for garden use. If this is the case, I would not be afraid to trim it ( within reason) and yes you can stick the trimed pieces, in soil and keep the soil moist untill roots form and take hold. you will then have another s/p.
I am curious now. Is this an ornamental??? No matter though as a s/p is an s/p, All will root easily, just keep the soil moist. For personal reasons I like to use a glass and water. That way I can see when there is root growth.
I hope this is of some help~~~~~~~~~~~~~`Russ

Yes they are ornamental.
I bought 7 different types this year, both long and short vines. blacks greens and tris... the old staple chartruse green runs rampid and has grown across the garden it is in and up to and beyond the patio door... lol looks like it wants in!

Fran

Ok That straightens out some of the thought on the issue. I would say that trimming back, some of the longest vines would be in order.
My main thought was that trimming back might cut back on tuber production. But I think that with the information from farmerdill. You will do just fine. I was just rethinking, now just how many varieties of the ornamentals did I buy. 2 tri-color 2 blacky, 1 sweet caroline lite green ,1 sweet caroline purple, 1 ace of spades,and 1 marguerite.
I want them to look nice, but the main purpose for me this year is to get enough tubers. so I can start a bunch next spring.
A lot of my plans may be changed though. Just got word today, that our youngest daughter 42 Has an artery that is the same as gone. They just backed away from the surgery they had planned, which was to remove the blockage. She has another appointment, with a stroke Dr. but not untill the 25th. We are all upset, and looking for answers. Why the delay. This I was not ready for.

Ranbponder, You have been giving such good advice and much help to many on this thread. Thanks
So sorry to hear about your daughter. I would be very worried too. Sounds like a lot of unanswered questions. Nobody is ready for something like this when it comes to your child. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Holly