This Week in the Garden
Propagating Sweet Potato Vines
1. Select Your Vines: Start by choosing healthy sweet potato vines growing on your plants. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut between two sets of leaves. Aim to cut the last 6-10 inches off the end of the vine.
2. Prepare the Cuttings: Remove the bottom leaves from the cuttings, leaving a few leaves at the top. This helps the cutting focus its energy on developing roots rather than sustaining leaves.
3. Place in Water: Submerge the bottom few inches of each cutting in water. Ensure the container is placed in a well-lit room, though not in direct sunlight. After a few days, you will see roots beginning to form.
4. Monitor Growth: Within a few weeks, the cuttings’ roots will be several inches long. Healthy roots should be white.
Planting Rooted Cuttings
1. Prepare the Soil: Once the cuttings have developed roots at least an inch long, it's time to plant them. Prepare a pot with moist, well-draining soil mix.
2. Plant the Cuttings: Gently plant the rooted cuttings into the soil, ensuring the roots are well covered. Firm the soil to give the roots good soil contact.
3. Acclimate the Plants: Place the newly potted plants in a shady spot outdoors initially. This helps them acclimate to their new environment without too much stress. The soil should be kept moist to wet for the first while. The plants may slightly wilt during hot days until their roots can grow and absorb enough water to support the plant.
4. Move to Full Sun: After a week, gradually move the plants into a spot that receives full sunlight. Sweet potato vines thrive in bright, sunny conditions. After several more weeks in the pot your can plant them in the ground and perhaps even start the process over again.
By following these steps, you can successfully propagate and grow sweet potato vines, adding lush greenery and vibrant color to your home or garden. Enjoy the process and the beautiful results!
Related Videos:
Planting Spring Annuals: SunPatiens, Sweet Potato Vine, and Blue Ageratum
Pruning Runaway Sweet Potato Vine
Related Resources:
Ornamental Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato Vine Lime
2. Prepare the Cuttings: Remove the bottom leaves from the cuttings, leaving a few leaves at the top. This helps the cutting focus its energy on developing roots rather than sustaining leaves.
3. Place in Water: Submerge the bottom few inches of each cutting in water. Ensure the container is placed in a well-lit room, though not in direct sunlight. After a few days, you will see roots beginning to form.
4. Monitor Growth: Within a few weeks, the cuttings’ roots will be several inches long. Healthy roots should be white.
Planting Rooted Cuttings
1. Prepare the Soil: Once the cuttings have developed roots at least an inch long, it's time to plant them. Prepare a pot with moist, well-draining soil mix.
2. Plant the Cuttings: Gently plant the rooted cuttings into the soil, ensuring the roots are well covered. Firm the soil to give the roots good soil contact.
3. Acclimate the Plants: Place the newly potted plants in a shady spot outdoors initially. This helps them acclimate to their new environment without too much stress. The soil should be kept moist to wet for the first while. The plants may slightly wilt during hot days until their roots can grow and absorb enough water to support the plant.
4. Move to Full Sun: After a week, gradually move the plants into a spot that receives full sunlight. Sweet potato vines thrive in bright, sunny conditions. After several more weeks in the pot your can plant them in the ground and perhaps even start the process over again.
By following these steps, you can successfully propagate and grow sweet potato vines, adding lush greenery and vibrant color to your home or garden. Enjoy the process and the beautiful results!
Related Videos:
Planting Spring Annuals: SunPatiens, Sweet Potato Vine, and Blue Ageratum
Pruning Runaway Sweet Potato Vine
Related Resources:
Ornamental Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato Vine Lime