Sweet Potato Plants
Sweet potato plants in the UK - wait, what? It’s not a mistimed April fool - it’s now possible thanks to new hardier varieties that have been specially bred to thrive in our less than tropical climate. Sustainably grown in Lancashire, our sweet potato plants are sent to you at the best possible time for planting and can be grown in a greenhouse, a polytunnel or even in a sunny outdoor spot in warmer areas. Your crop will be ready to harvest in autumn - we could tell you they last for months in storage, but they’re way too tasty to find out!
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South Downs National Park
Meet Josh
Slow grown veg from the sunny South Downs
Our vegetable plants are sown on a family farm in Lancashire, then nurtured into strong young plants by Josh in the sunny South Downs before they rock up in your garden. By selecting only the strongest and tastiest varieties, Josh makes sure you get a headstart on your plot, with impressive crops and no waste.
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Sweet Potato FAQs
Can I grow sweet potatoes in the UK climate?
Although sweet potatoes originate from much sunnier parts of the world than ours, they can certainly be grown in the UK, as the new varieties have been bred especially to withstand lower temperatures. They need a bit more care and attention than most vegetables, but are very much worth it.
When is the best time to plant sweet potatoes in the UK?
Plant your sweet potatoes in late spring or early summer when there’s no risk of frosts and the soil is warm. They’ll need a temperature that’s consistently above 15°C, so if you’re in a colder area, you may have to grow them under cover.
How do I plant sweet potatoes in the UK?
Plant your sweet potato plants or slips in well draining, fertile soil and space them about 30-45cm apart to allow for spreading. Grow them in the sunniest part of your garden or under cover in a greenhouse, conservatory or polytunnel.
Do sweet potato plants need a lot of water?
Sweet potatoes need to be regularly watered so that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plant will help to keep moisture in the soil.
How long does it take for sweet potatoes to grow in the UK?
Depending on your growing conditions, it will take around 3-4 months for your sweet potatoes to grow. You’ll see the foliage turning yellow and dying back in late summer or early autumn, and this is a sign that your crop is ready.
Can I grow sweet potatoes in containers in the UK?
Growing sweet potatoes in containers is a great idea, as it allows you to grow under cover where the temperature can be better controlled. Choose the largest pot you can find (at least 45cm wide and deep) with good drainage holes at the bottom. Use a good loose compost or soil and plant one plant per pot.
How do I harvest and store sweet potatoes in the UK?
When your sweet potatoes are ready, gently lift them by using a garden fork. Then cure them by putting them in a warm place for a couple of weeks to dry the skins, before storing them in a cool, dark and dry place with good ventilation. Stored in this way, your sweet potatoes will keep for several months. For more tips and tricks from our growers, see our complete guide to growing sweet potatoes.
