Korean purple sweet potato slips? ORDER IS IN!

[wifezilla]

Yes, I am aware that Sandhill Preservation has them, but you can only buy their mixes. You do not get to pick the individual varieties.

I want Korean Purple sweet potatoes. That's it. There are a few back up varieties I would settle for, but not being able to choose is annoying. I have very limited space so have to plan carefully.

Anyone have a good source for korean purple or other early variety (like 8633, Betty's, Envy, etc...) sweet potatoes? Anyone want to sell me an early variety potato so I can make my own slips???

 

[lesa]

wife, I just got my catalog from "The Maine Potato Lady". I never thought I had a long enough growing season for sweet potatoes, but she has two that look they might work for either of us.

Beauregard- 95 days: A great choice for northern growers with short growing seasons. Rose skin and moist orange flesh. Fat and heavy, good for storage, etc. 12 slips for 12.95.


Japanese Red-105 days: Rich red skin and light cream-colored flesh. Sweet and dry taste. 12 slips 12.95

I think I am going to order the Beauregard. Now I just have to find a spot in the garden!

 

[wifezilla]

I grow mine in containers along the driveway. One of my containers is a little tykes toy box painted black and filled with dirt. I have also used old feed bags

Those two varieties you listed would make ok backups. I really have my heart set on the purples. I am going to hit one of the oriental food stores and see what they have.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The Japanese is one of the slower developers. With your growing season I think you would be better off with the Beauregard, O'Henry or Georgia Jet, 90 to 95 day versus a 110 day. I'm sure you know that the number of days does not mean a lot other than a way to compare which matures first. At your altitude, two weeks could make a big difference. Frost is big trouble with sweet potatoes.

I have no idea where to get Korean Purple sweet potatoes, nor how long they take compared to others. Hopefully you can find one in an oriental market.

 

[wifezilla]

Found another variety that sounds interesting...

The Frazier White sweet potato.


And burpee has a few varieties.

But I want Korean Purple!!!!!

** throws tantrum ***

 

[thistlebloom]

I tried Beauregards, but they didn't develop anything more than skinny roots. Not their fault, I think one of my mistakes was mulching with straw which probably kept the soil too cool. This year I'm going to tinker with warming up the soil early and then a hoop tunnel to retain heat. I also like the container idea to warm the soil.Of course it would help if spring doesn't last into July and the nights stay above the 40s....

 

[wifezilla]

LOL

I know what you mean. My biggest garnets last year were about the size of a computer mouse.

It was a good experiment though. And yes, I had a stick hoop frame over thetop of my black painted toy box and clear plastic over that. Plus I surrounded each plant with some 1 liter bottles filled with water. Without that I don't think I would have gotten anything.

 

[wifezilla]

http://www.abundantacres.net/sweetpot.htm

Anyone have any experience with this place? Looks like they have all kinds of early season varieties.

 

[wifezilla]

I did end up placing an order at Abundant Acres. Unfortunately the Korean Purple sweet potatoes were already sold out!!!

I ended up ordering 2 other early season varieties. Carogold Early and Violetta. Carogold are supposed to have "rampant vines". Since the leaves are edible, I have no problem with this at all. If I don't eat those leaves, I know the ducks will

The violetta have purple/redish skin and white flesh. The Carogold have purple skin and orange flesh.

I am anxious to see how these varieties do compared to the garnets I grew last year. Since my growing season is so short, I was surprised I got as many usable potatoes as I did. Having potatoes actually designed to grow in my climate will be awesome

A few other varieties are also sold out, so you might want to get your order in NOW!

 

[momofdrew]

Last year was the first time I put in sweet potatoes got beaurguard from Johnnyseed I raised the bed some and covered it with black mulch and then used a hoop house after planting...I got a great harvest...I was very pleased with the results and have just ordered some for this year...