Sweet potatoes thrive in sandy loam, loam, and clayey loam soil. The crop requires adequate drainage and is susceptible to waterlogging, salinity, and alkalinity. pH (H20) should be between 5.6 and 6.5. Stony or clay soil is undesirable because it prevents the establishment (growth) of good store roots.
Climate
Sweet potato is a warm season crop, which means that it requires warm days and nights for optimal growth and development. Sweet potatoes are susceptible to cold weather, particularly frost. If supplemental irrigation is supplied, sweet potato can be produced in all South African provinces. Once the storage roots have grown, the plant is moderately drought tolerant.
Orange-fleshed cultivars: lmpilo and W-119 (dry); Beauregard (moist) Blesbok and Bosbok have purple skin (fresh market) (moist) Ndou, Monate: cream skin (dry)
Propagation
Stem cuttings are used for propagation. Cuttings should be made from stems that are 20-30 cm long. It is not necessary to remove the leaves from stem cuttings before planting. Top cuttings grow faster than cuttings from other regions of the vine. Cuttings are sometimes prepared from storage roots: Plant the storage roots with just enough dirt to cover them. Break off sprouts when they are 25-30 cm long and use for planting.
With a clean pruning shear or sharp knife, make 20-30 cm healthy, insect and disease-free cuttings. Cover half of their length in damp soil and plant them in your prepared bed. Firmly press the surrounding soil so that it makes good contact with the stem, supporting rapid root formation. Water the plants as soon as they are planted. Always harvest shoots from healthy plants. Volunteer sweet potato vines should not be used since they may carry pests and diseases.
Preparation of the Soil
Loosen the soil well using a fork, hand hoe, or spade, or by ploughing. Loosen the soil to a depth of 250-300 mm to allow for proper root aeration, penetration, and drainage. To achieve optimal root penetration, remove stones and shatter hard layers. Smashed all clods with a rake or hand tined cultivator till a deep fine bed is obtained.
Cover crops (green manure) can be planted and worked into the soil 3-4 months before the crop is established.
How long does it take for a sweet potato to grow in South Africa?
three to five months
Sweet potatoes have a 3 to 5 month growing season, depending on the cultivar, and should be planted between October and December.
What is the best method for growing sweet potatoes?
Select a sunny location with well-drained soil. Sweet potatoes aren’t choosy, but they do prefer a sandier soil. They require enough of air space in the soil for their roots to grow. Consider planting on raised beds if your soil is clay, rocky, or compacted.
How many sweet potatoes can you obtain from one plant?
How many sweet potatoes can one plant produce? Typically, you can harvest 3-5 tubers (approximately 1-2 pounds) per sweet potato plant. In a warmer environment, though, you may be able to harvest six or more tubers per plant.
