On the other blog I wrote an entry on how to root ornamental sweet potato vine cuttings and in this one I posted pictures of my sweet potato vine tubers after I lifted them to store them for the winter. If you're looking to root sweet potato vines or store the tubers visit the links right above
When I first purchased my ornamental sweet potato vines back in the spring I decided I would root cuttings since I had heard they were easy to start from cuttings One of the sources I came across stated that roots would start to grow on your ornamental sweet potato vine cuttings within five days. I didn't think they would grow so quick now since we're approaching winter and plants aren't actively growing. But sure enough these cuttings started to root within a week and in plain water.
With the tubers and cuttings I have rooting next year I won't have to buy any new ornamental sweet potato vine plants for the garden. Although I may not grow the green colored variety and just stick to the black sweet potato vine. If you're interested in what the flower looks like you can see a photo of the beautiful flower in my entry Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie.'
Monday, November 26, 2007
Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine Roots
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7 comments:
I don't believe I've Ever seen the Ornamental Sweet Potato vines flower! But, then, the only two I've seen are the chartreuse and the variegated green, pink & white leafed ones. So, if you root them indoors in the Fall, will you be planting them indoors before Spring? Will they do very well with indoors light, or do you put them under a grow light?
I think the roots on my cutting may be as long as the cuttings themselves by now. :-)I keep forgetting to get out to the garden shed and get some potting soil to pot them up.
Great close up photo of your rooted cuttings!
Shady,
Until I saw mine I'd never seen them flower either. I think I'll leave mine in the water until we get close to spring. I don't have room for another large pot in the windows.
Connie,
Mine have ground a bunch since I took the photo. They're inside of a small bud vase and have almost grown around the whole thing.
I'm a landscaper, so have been growing these as part of annual arrangements for several years. The flowers surprised the heck out of me the first time! Not all flower, but 'Blackie' does, sporadically, with flowers that show its closeness to morning glories.
Also, if you're using a food-safe/organic growing medium & fertilizer, don't hesitate to cook up any huge tubers that you aren't rooting -- they're a little different than grocery store sweet potatoes, but earthy and mild.
@yardandahalf
Hi, thanks for stopping by and commenting. Interesting that you mentioned the flowering habit I've been wondering about the reason the green one didn't flower.
I've read that they were edible but since I use Miracle-Gro I haven't gotten up the nerve to see about eating them.
BTW I think you may be the very first ever livejournal user to comment.
I need help. I grew a sweet pot. vine last year and when I pulled the vines off in the fall it almost scared me. The tubers were enormous and one is as big as a basketball. I saved it but now don't know what to do with it. I can send pic's if anyone is interested. Help!!!
Hi Pete,
You just plant the tuber back in the ground or pot when it is warm enough in your area.
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