Since the sweet potato began its conquest of Germany's gardens and kitchens, it has enjoyed great popularity. Since the plant is an annual, many gardeners try to grow it themselves so that they can enjoy the beautiful look of the plant next year. The most proven method is to germinate cuttings or a tuber. But can you actually grow sweet potatoes from seeds? Find out the answer here.
Is it possible to grow sweet potatoes from seeds?
Yes, you can grow sweet potatoes from seed, although success is limited and the process is slow. Start sowing in potting soil in January, let shoots grow in a larger box, and plant outdoors from May.
Characteristics of sweet potato seeds
- one or two seeds per fruit
- round
- colored black
- about 3 mm long
- hairless
- very hard shell
- hardly permeable to water or oxygen
- germinate only rarely
Growing sweet potatoes from seeds
Although it is not common as the chances of success are very low, you can still grow a sweet potato from seeds. You can get the seeds you need from specialist retailers (€2.00 on Amazon) or online.
Patience is required
Since hardly any water or oxygen penetrates inside due to the hard, very impermeable shell of the seed, germination occurs very slowly or not at all. That's why this process often spoils the desire for breeding, especially for hobby gardeners. It is much easier to germinate cuttings or a tuber. However, growing seeds has a decisive advantage: With cuttings from the nursery or a tuber from the supermarket, it is difficult to determine which variety is present. However, it plays an important role in the cultivation of a sweet potato. Some species should be placed in partial shade and not in the blazing sun, others only produce a small harvest. When you buy sweet potato seeds, the variety is usually stated on the package.
The right time
So that the sweet potato can quickly get used to the outdoor weather conditions after it has been planted in the bed, it should have already grown a bit. It is therefore advisable to start growing in January, although the batate is not allowed outside until mid-May.
Step by step instructions
- fill a pot with regular potting soil
- place the seeds about 2.5cm deep
- when the shoots have reached a length of 10-15 cm, transplant them into a larger box
- place the box in a bright location
- in May you plant your seed potatoes outdoors
