Potatoes vs. Sweet Potatoes: Understanding the Key Growing Differences
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are beloved root vegetables with versatile uses in the kitchen, but did you know they also differ significantly in how they grow? Though both are tuber crops, they have unique requirements for planting, climate, and care. Let’s explore what sets them apart to help you make the best choice for your garden.
Botanical Family: Different Origins
Although they share a name, potatoes and sweet potatoes come from different plant families:
- Potatoes: Part of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, along with tomatoes and eggplants.
- Sweet Potatoes: Belong to the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) family. This difference impacts the types of pests and diseases each plant attracts. Contrary to popular belief, sweet potatoes are not the same as yams.
Growing Season: Climate and Temperature Needs
These root vegetables thrive in different climates:
- Potatoes: Potatoes prefer cooler temperatures and are typically grown in spring or fall in temperate climates. Ideal soil temperatures range from 45-70°F, making them more suitable for regions with mild summers.
- Sweet Potatoes: Love the heat! They thrive in warm, humid conditions with soil temperatures between 70-85°F. Sweet potatoes are typically planted in late spring and are ideal for warmer regions or seasons.
Planting Method: Seed Tubers vs. Slips
Potatoes and sweet potatoes require different planting techniques:
- Potatoes: Are planted from “seed potatoes” or tuber pieces, each with at least one “eye” that will sprout. These are planted directly in the soil, and sprouts emerge within a few weeks. Potatoes also require regular maintenance and hilling every two weeks during the growing season.
- Sweet Potatoes: Grow from “slips” (vine cuttings) rather than tubers. These slips are sprouted from mature sweet potatoes and planted in the ground once they’re about 4-6 inches long.
Soil Requirements: Nutrients and Structure
Though both crops are relatively undemanding, they have unique preferences:
- Potatoes: Prefer loose, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.0-6.0). They do well with moderate fertilization and require hilling (adding soil around the stems) as they grow. Consider using our Potatoes Alive! Fertilizer with your potatoes for their nutritional needs.
- Sweet Potatoes: Thrive in sandy, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5). They benefit from a potassium-rich soil mix to support strong root development. Our Potatoes Alive! Fertilizer would work well with sweet potatoes, or you could also use our Root Crops Alive! Fertilizer if you have other root crops in your garden.
Harvest Time and Storage
Both potatoes and sweet potatoes have different timelines and storage methods:
- Potatoes: Typically ready for harvest 70-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest when the foliage dies back. They store best in cool, dark, and dry places, lasting several months.
- Sweet Potatoes: Take longer, about 90-150 days, to mature and need to be harvested before the first frost. After harvest, they require curing in a warm, humid area for 1-2 weeks to improve sweetness and storage potential.
Pests and Diseases: What to Watch For
Each crop has unique pest and disease threats:
- Potatoes: Commonly face issues from pests like potato beetles and diseases such as blight.
- Sweet Potatoes: Are vulnerable to pests like sweet potato weevils and root rot.
Which Root Vegetable Is Right for Your Garden?
Whether you choose potatoes for their cooler growing needs or sweet potatoes for warm-weather gardening, each crop brings unique flavors and textures to your table. Select the one that best suits your climate, planting style, and storage needs.
