Storing and Propagating Ornamental Sweet Potato Tubers

Winter Storage Protocol

1. Dig tubers after frost kills foliage
2. Mark root end (R) and vine end (V) with permanent marker
3. Cure in dry, dark, cool location (50-60°F)
4. Store in ventilated containers with dry peat or vermiculite

Spring Propagation

1. Early March: Suspend tubers in water (root end down)
2. Place in sunny window
3. When sprouts reach 6 inches, detach and root in water
4. Plant rooted slips after frost danger passes

Why This Works

Sweet potatoes propagate vegetatively from slips (sprouts), not from tuber pieces like regular potatoes. The mother tuber provides energy for slip production.