How to Grow a Sweet Potato Indoors

Sweet potatoes produce purplish-green leaves on quick growing vines. Growing indoors takes little effort with lots of sun and warmth. Some nurseries sell potted sweet potatoes as ornamental plants. Grow indoors any time of the year. Sweet potatoes belong to the morning glory family.

Things You'll Need

• Sweet potato
• Jar/mug
• 2 to 4 toothpicks
• Non-chlorinated water
• Sunny window
• Container
• Potting soil
• Liquid fertilizer

Instructions

1. Get a firm sweet potato from a local vegetable seller. When possible choose one with buds for a quicker start.

2. Find a wide mouth jar or mug to hold the potato.

3. Take two to four toothpicks and push them into the sides of the sweet potato. Space the toothpicks evenly around near the halfway mark.

4. Place the most pointed end of the sweet potato inside the jar. The toothpicks support the weight at the jar's lip.

5. Pour non-chlorinated water into the jar up to the halfway point. Buy distilled water if needed. Keep an eye on the water level.

6. Locate a sunny window for growing the plant.

7. Transplant into a container with regular potting soil after leaves and stems appear. Allow 6 to 8 inches of growth. This remains an option for indoor growing as the potato does fine in water only.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the soil moist for a transplanted sweet potato.

• Add liquid 5-10-10 plant fertilizer monthly to the water or as needed. Read the directions for correct amount.

• It takes 7 to 14 days to sprout. Once sprouted the indoor vine grows quickly. Pinch away some of the shoots for bushier growth.

• Use an indoor trellis for the vines or drape them around the window. Also, consider a hanging basket for a potted plant.