How To Know When Sweet Potatoes Are Ready To Pick

You know sweet potatoes are ready to pick when the leaves start to yellow and the vines begin to wither.
 
That’s the classic signal that your sweet potatoes have reached maturity and are ready to pick from the garden.
 
But knowing when sweet potatoes are ready to pick isn’t just about the leaves, there are a few other clues you can use to be sure.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into the signs that sweet potatoes are ready to pick, the best time to harvest them, and how to handle them once they’re out of the ground.
 
Let’s get started and make sure you’re picking sweet potatoes at the perfect moment.
 

Signs That Sweet Potatoes Are Ready To Pick

There are several reliable ways to tell when sweet potatoes are ready to pick, and most of them don’t require any fancy tools.
 
Here are the top signs to look for so you know sweet potatoes are ready to pick in your own backyard.
 

1. The Leaves Start Turning Yellow

One of the first signs that sweet potatoes are ready to pick is the changing color of the foliage.
 
As the growing season winds down, the leaves will shift from a vibrant green to a softer yellow or even brown.
 
This yellowing tells you the plant is shifting its energy from leaf growth to the roots below.
 
When you see this happening, it’s a strong hint that sweet potatoes are ready to pick soon.
 

2. The Vines Begin to Wither

Along with yellowing leaves, the vines themselves will start to dry out and wither.
 
This is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle, and it’s a clear indicator that sweet potatoes are ready to pick.
 
If the vines are still green and vigorous, your sweet potatoes are probably still growing and not quite ready to pick yet.
 
But once the vines look tired and brittle, it’s time to check the ground.
 

3. The Skin Is Thick and Firm

Another way to know when sweet potatoes are ready to pick is by checking the skin’s texture.
 
Carefully dig around the base of a plant and gently feel a sweet potato without pulling it out.
 
If the skin is thin and easily scratched, they need more time in the soil.
 
But if the skin feels thick and doesn’t rub off easily, that’s a great sign sweet potatoes are ready to pick.
 

4. The Size Reaches Maturity

Size matters when you’re figuring out when sweet potatoes are ready to pick.
 
Most sweet potatoes are ready to pick when they’ve reached about 4 to 6 inches in length.
 
Check a few by gently scraping away soil near the top of a hill to see their size.
 
If they’re still small and skinny, give them more time, but if they’re nice and plump, those sweet potatoes are ready to pick.
 

Best Time To Pick Sweet Potatoes

Timing is everything when you’re trying to figure out when sweet potatoes are ready to pick.
 
The ideal window depends on your planting date and your local climate.
 

1. Count the Days From Planting

Sweet potatoes are typically ready to pick about 90 to 120 days after planting slips.
 
Mark your calendar when you plant so you have a rough estimate of when sweet potatoes are ready to pick.
 
If you’re past the 100-day mark and seeing other signs, it’s probably time to harvest.
 

2. Harvest Before the First Frost

You should always plan to pick sweet potatoes before the first frost of autumn.
 
Cold soil can damage the roots and ruin your harvest.
 
If frost is in the forecast and the leaves are still green, don’t wait any longer.
 
Sweet potatoes that are ready to pick will tolerate a little wait, but frost is a hard deadline.
 

3. Use a Trial Dig

If you’re still unsure when sweet potatoes are ready to pick, do a trial dig.
 
Pick one hill and gently lift the roots with a garden fork.
 
Check the size and skin thickness of the sweet potatoes you find.
 
If they look mature, the rest of the patch is likely ready to pick as well.
 

How To Properly Pick And Cure Sweet Potatoes

Once you’ve confirmed that sweet potatoes are ready to pick, you need to handle them carefully to ensure they store well.
 
Here’s how to do it right.
 

1. Loosen the Soil Gently

When you’re ready to pick sweet potatoes, use a digging fork to loosen the soil around the plants.
 
Start about 12 inches away from the base to avoid slicing into the roots.
 
Then, work your hands into the soil and lift the sweet potatoes out by hand.
 
This gentle approach keeps the skin intact and reduces bruising.
 

2. Let Them Dry Before Curing

After you pick sweet potatoes, don’t wash them right away.
 
Instead, let them air dry in the sun for a couple of hours to remove excess soil.
 
Then, move them to a warm, humid spot (about 85°F) for 10 to 14 days.
 
This curing process helps heal any small cuts and converts starches into sugars, making them sweeter.
 

3. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Once cured, sweet potatoes are ready to pick from that curing area and can be stored for months.
 
Place them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated room, ideally around 55°F to 60°F.
 
Don’t refrigerate them, as cold temperatures can alter their taste and texture.
 

So, How Do You Know When Sweet Potatoes Are Ready To Pick?

Sweet potatoes are ready to pick when the leaves yellow, the vines wither, and the roots reach a good size with thick skin.
 
You can also count the days from planting and always harvest before the first frost.
 
Once you’re sure sweet potatoes are ready to pick, dig them gently and cure them properly for the best flavor.
 
With these tips, you’ll never wonder when sweet potatoes are ready to pick again.
 
Happy harvesting, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your garden work.