Post by macmex on Jun 9, 2022 12:58:45 GMT
Most everyone who grows more than one variety of sweet potato will notice that some varieties sprout while in storage. Some varieties SPROUT in storage and ... some varieties are just plain reluctant to sprout, even being slow to make slips in the spring. I don't have a really large collection of varieties but the one which is most reluctant to sprout is Okinawa (I'm pretty sure that there are a good many slightly different "Okinawas" out there.
Here's a picture of Brinkley White roots as I was bedding them for slips about three days ago (June 6).
They sprouted big time in storage, yet I might add that Brinkley White is an excellent storage variety. Even in June, approximately 8 months after harvest, these roots are still firm and perfectly good to eat. Yet, it will only take a couple days to get usable slips from them. I've noticed that Gunlock does much like Brinkley White, in this regard.
Now here's a picture of a Grand Asia root which I is going to be my morning snack today. This one has been in storage for the same amount of time, under the exact same conditions as Brinkley White.
All my Grand Asia roots remain rock solid for a very long time. They don't make big sprouts until I bed them. Notice, however, that they do bud a bit. This is just a varietal difference.
So, if you find sweet potato roots budding or sprouting during the winter or spring, don't worry. Don't even feel that you have to hurry up and use them before they go bad. The most serious sign to look out for is that roots begin to shrivel or turn brown (drying out). A certain percentage of roots, especially one which have been damaged in harvest, will do this. It's good to use damaged roots early on, so as not to lose them.
Here's a picture of Brinkley White roots as I was bedding them for slips about three days ago (June 6).
They sprouted big time in storage, yet I might add that Brinkley White is an excellent storage variety. Even in June, approximately 8 months after harvest, these roots are still firm and perfectly good to eat. Yet, it will only take a couple days to get usable slips from them. I've noticed that Gunlock does much like Brinkley White, in this regard.
Now here's a picture of a Grand Asia root which I is going to be my morning snack today. This one has been in storage for the same amount of time, under the exact same conditions as Brinkley White.
All my Grand Asia roots remain rock solid for a very long time. They don't make big sprouts until I bed them. Notice, however, that they do bud a bit. This is just a varietal difference.
So, if you find sweet potato roots budding or sprouting during the winter or spring, don't worry. Don't even feel that you have to hurry up and use them before they go bad. The most serious sign to look out for is that roots begin to shrivel or turn brown (drying out). A certain percentage of roots, especially one which have been damaged in harvest, will do this. It's good to use damaged roots early on, so as not to lose them.
