Sweet potatoes

[diggernotdreamer]

I got some sweet potato slips and they are now growing away in the polytunnel; as recommended, I planted the slips through some black plastic. I can't fnd much information on cultivation, has anyone any experience. If they flower, should I remove the flowers (I always remove potato flowers), the foliage looks ok, I would really appreciate any information, thanks a million

[Mustardseedmama]

I have grown sweet potatoes exactly twice, and I never bothered to remove the blooms. I couldn't have gotten to all of them anyway, as the vines were so thick I couldn't get through them without stepping on them (fresh application of composted chicken litter the previous fall), and didn't want to risk stepping on any developing sweets.

The biggest problem we had with them was moles eating through them. Still had a pretty good harvest though.

[demi]

I'm growing sweet potatoes this year. they are still quite small, they're taking ages to grow. No flowers yet. I'v not read anywhere about take the flowers off.

Here is some good info on growing sweet potatoes: http://www.annettemcfarlane.com/Stories ... Potato.pdf

[diggernotdreamer]

Thanks very much MSM I won't be worrying much about the moles as we dont have any in Ireland, now slightly worried about triffidesque plants romping through the polytunnel.
Demi, I can't access this link. I haven't read about taking off flowers, but I know flowers sap energy which is why I usually nip them off potatoes to stop them forming those little fruits on the top.
Guess I will have to be patient and see what happens.

[demi]

try this link : http://www.annettemcfarlane.com/search. ... &sa=Search

then click on sweet potatoe, its a pdf file.

[diggernotdreamer]

Thanks Demi, I managed to read it this time. I am pleased my foliage looks just like the photo's, just have to hope they turn out ok, we do have long daylight hours here in the summer, so finger crossed