The sweet potato originally comes from the tropics, which is why it is very sensitive to the European climate. Wintering such an ornamental plant in the garden is therefore not possible. Nevertheless, there are alternative methods to have a sweet potato plant in the coming spring. In this article you can read which measures are suitable for winter storage.
Sweet potatoes can be germinated over winter
Good to know
Sweet potatoes already die at temperatures below 10°C. They tolerate frost all the less. In addition, the plant needs sufficient light. A deficiency in winter makes them susceptible to diseases and pests. Their growth is severely inhibited.
Exception for the Indica variety
Sweet potatoes are actually annuals. However, with a bit of luck, the Indica variety can be overwintered indoors. Temperatures of 10-24°C and sufficient light are required, which is best supplied with a plant lamp (€21.99).
Overwintering with cuttings
Due to its annual nature, it is not possible to overwinter the sweet potato plant. However, it is worth taking cuttings from the mother plant in autumn and letting them germinate over the winter. There are two ways of multiplying this:
In the pot
- fill your pot with loose potting soil
- place the cuttings in the pot
- place the bucket in a warm, bright location
- water the soil regularly
In the water glass
- place the shoots in a glass of fresh warm water
- only the strand, but not the leaves, may be in the water
- change the water every two days
- avoid direct sunlight
- choose a location that is as warm as possible
When you are sure that the outside temperature will not drop below 0°C (usually after the Ice Saints), the cuttings are ready to be planted outdoors.