[hayles62]

My daughter cooked me a lovely meal today wich included Sweet Potatoes and I wondered if we can grow them in the UK?

If so any tips or links would be lovely.



                   

[Heather_S]

Organic catalogue has the "slips" which are kind of like sprouts for sale at the appropriate time of year. They need to be grown under glass, though, as they're a semi tropical vine, if I recall correctly.

[Oliver]

.... I wondered if we can grow them in the UK?

Google is a wonderful thing! Found this on the Royal Horticultural site:

Quote:
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
One of the most exciting root crop introductions of recent years is a cultivar of sweet potato suitable for growing in Britain. Plants produce long trailing or climbing stems up to 3m (10ft) with heart-shaped leaves and large tuberous roots 2. These tasty South American roots have become popular in supermarkets, but it has been assumed that they will only grow in warmer climates. Marshalls recently introduced ‘Beauregard’, which was successful in the experiment tried at Wisley. They were supplied in May as slips - small pieces of tuber with leaves and roots.

Jim England recommends, ‘Grow these tender perennials as annuals in the UK. Plant under glass frames, through polythene in beds to raise soil temperature, or grow in pots in an unheated glasshouse. Plant them 5-7.5cm (2-3in) deep, and feed and water regularly.’

Roasted in oil, the trialled sweet potatoes tasted similar to those from shops, but perhaps not quite as sweet. This can be improved by curing the potatoes in the sun for 4 - 7 days after harvesting in a dry place at 10 - 15°C (50 - 59°F).
Unquote
She wants to have a go next year. Very exiciting!
Only thing is though Ipomoea ... something or other is a morning glory and everyone else can grow morning glories, except her! So how will she fare with sweet potatoes! Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[hayles62]

Thanks Oliver that is very helpful and i'm going to have a go.  

[Heather_S]

Only thing is though Ipomoea ... something or other is a morning glory and everyone else can grow morning glories, except her! So how will she fare with sweet potatoes!

Just remember that good ol' bindweed is also an Ipomoea

[Oliver]

Just remember that good ol' bindweed is also an Ipomoea

Well there you are then! Small mercies. She doesn't have much bindweed either. Determined to try the sweet potato thing, though. They are very nice baked ...