3 Types Of Sweet Potatoes You Can Grow Indoors In Smaller Spaces

A tasty and nutritious vegetable, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) can be a little difficult to get right due to its specific requirements. Conditions outside need to be properly warm for most varieties to thrive. The good news is that if you struggle to grow sweet potatoes outdoors where you live, there are several lovely varieties that make good options for an indoor garden. Good types of sweet potatoes to grow indoors are the kinds that grow well in small spaces, like Vardaman, Centennial, and Porto Rico. 

Typical sweet potato varieties can take up to 15 feet of space with their vines. Bush-type sweet potatoes make agreeable options for containers and great choices for an indoor garden that has limited space for big vines. The Centennial variety is an early-maturing selection with a long, tapered look and a smallish size ideal for indoor growing. Vardaman grows into a compact, bushy plant. Porto Rico is also a bush-type sweet potato that has compact vines. But knowing how to grow sweet potatoes indoors for a ready harvest has its own challenges, even when you select reliable varieties.

Whether you're growing Vardaman, Centennial, or Porto Pico, it'll require the right environment to grow well indoors, starting with the best indoor containers to help plants thrive and grow. Opt for a large, deep container that can hold at least 15 gallons for the best harvest. Smaller containers can be used, especially for smaller spaces, but do not plant a lot in each one. The larger your pot, the larger your final potatoes will become. No matter what size of pot, ensure a depth of about 12 inches of soil or more.

The best way to grow sweet potatoes in containers for year-round harvests is to plant them indoors, but that means you need to calculate the proper soil and light conditions. Soil temperature is key when it comes to sweet potatoes. Below about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and they will not adequately develop in the 100 to 110 days it takes these varieties to produce. When grown indoors, that might not be as much of an issue, but be aware of how your household temperature can fluctuate in different areas, especially near windows or cooling vents. If you decide to grow them during the cooler months, be smart about the location and avoid unheated garages. Sweet potatoes also like plenty of light, so pick a spot with direct sunlight for these container-friendly varieties.