Have you ever tried to grow or save sweet potato cuttings only to get stuck wondering how to get them started—or how to keep them going through winter? You’re not alone. We receive questions from all over the world, not just our US community members. One came in from the UK the other day (Thanks M!) and inspired some extra thought into cooler climate growing tips and sweet potato slips.
Hi I’m in the uk, I’m growing sweet potatoes from cuttings, they root incredibly easily! Saves trying from an existing potato. However, how do I keep them safe till I can plant them out next spring? – TFL Community Member
So, if you live somewhere cooler and you’ve heard the term sweet potato slips but weren’t sure what they are or how to care for them, you’re in the right place. Let’s sit down together and walk through everything you need to know to grow, overwinter, and plant sweet potato slips so your garden’s warm-season harvest is off to a strong start.
In This Post
What Are Sweet Potato Slips?
Sweet potato slips are the little rooted sprouts that grow from a sweet potato. Unlike regular potatoes that grow from “seed potatoes,” sweet potatoes need to be started from slips. These rooted cuttings are the foundation of your future crop—and they’re surprisingly easy to grow and keep alive, even in cooler climates.
Whether you’re in the UK, like our community member who inspired this article, the northern U.S., or anywhere with short summers, starting your slips early and caring for them properly over winter can make a world of difference.
How to Overwinter Sweet Potato Slips Indoors
If you’re working with a shorter growing season, the key is keeping your slips healthy and protected until spring. Here’s how:
1. Pot Them Up
Once your slips have rooted, plant them in small pots filled with loamy, well-draining soil.
- Use 4–6-inch pots with drainage holes
- Keep the soil lightly moist (not soggy)
2. Bring Them Indoors Early
When nighttime temps drop below 50°F (10°C), it’s time to bring them inside.
- Place them in a sunny window or under grow lights
- South-facing windows work best
3. Trim as Needed
Slips may continue to grow indoors. If they get leggy, trim them back. You can even root the cuttings again as backups.
- Rotate pots weekly to avoid leaning
- Keep an eye on growth and airflow
4. Watch for Pests
Like any houseplant, your sweet potato slips might attract pests like aphids or fungus gnats.
- Spray neem oil to deter pests
- Let the top layer of soil dry before watering again
5. Let Them Go Dormant (Optional)
If indoor growing isn’t ideal for your space, you can let the slips go dormant instead.
- Pot them up again in early spring
- Let the plants grow a few weeks longer, then remove the slips
- Store them in just-barely-damp peat moss or sand in a cool, dark area (10–13°C or 50–55°F)
Preparing to Plant Sweet Potato Slips in Spring
Once the last frost has passed and soil temperatures are reliably above 21°C (70°F), your sweet potato slips are ready for planting. Here’s how to get them—and your soil—ready.
If Planting in Containers
Sweet potatoes thrive in containers if you give them enough space and warmth.
- Use 8–10 gallon (30–40 liter) pots per slip
- Choose fabric grow bags or tubs with good drainage
- Fill with:
- ⅔ compost or rich potting soil
- ⅓ sand or perlite
- A few handfuls of worm castings or organic fertilizer
If Planting in the Ground
- Choose a sunny spot with 6–8 hours of sun
- Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil earlier in spring
- Loosen the soil at least 10–12 inches deep
- Add well-rotted compost or aged manure
Planting the Slips
Once you’re sure your soil is warm enough:
- Plant each slip 12–18 inches apart in rows
- Bury the stem up to the top leaves (it’ll root along the stem)
- Water well and keep consistently moist for the first couple of weeks
Growing Tips Throughout the Season
Once planted, here’s how to give your sweet potato slips the best chance at success:
- Mulch with straw or grass clippings
- Water consistently—especially during hot spells
- Don’t over-fertilize; a mid-season compost tea is plenty
- In cooler areas, use a cold frame or fleece to keep temperatures stable
Harvesting Your Sweet Potatoes
Harvest usually happens in September or October, depending on your frost dates and the variety you’re growing.
You’ll know it’s time when:
- The vines start to yellow
- You’ve had 100–120 days of growth
Dig gently to avoid bruising the tubers, then cure them in a warm, dry place for 1–2 weeks. This helps toughen the skin and improves flavor. And don’t forget all the yummy sweet potato recipes to try out!
Bonus: How to Regrow Sweet Potato Slips Next Year
Set aside a few smaller sweet potatoes from your harvest. In early spring:
- Place them in a warm, damp tray or suspend in water (like an avocado pit)
- Watch for sprouts—those are your new slips!
- Gently twist or cut them off, and start the process again
It’s a beautiful, frugal living, low-cost cycle that gets better with each season!
Final Thoughts
Growing sweet potato slips and keeping them healthy through the winter might feel like a challenge—but with a little planning and patience, it’s absolutely doable. These beautiful vines will reward you with a hearty harvest and a deeper connection to your garden.
Whether you’re growing in pots on a patio or digging up a bed in your backyard, sweet potatoes can thrive in cooler climates—with the right start.
Have a question or want to share your own sweet potato story? Leave a comment below—we’d love to hear from you.
Happy sweet potato slip growing!
Whether you’re growing in the UK, the northern U.S., or another cool zone, it’s all about timing and care. Save yourself a huge learning curve with our Gardening Bundle – Generations of lessons passed down to make your first garden a successful one.
