Asked on Sep 30, 2017
Why would sweet potatoes grow big leaves but no potatoes?
by
Vbk27839041
+2
We had big vines with seemingly healthy leaves the size of dinner plates. The seeds were planted in early April. When we tried to harvest the potatoes, there were none.
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Could you have planted seeds for an ornamental potato vine? I've planted russet potatoes and that is done by cutting a chunk of potato containing an 'eye' from 'seed potatoes'. I'm not familiar with planting sweet potatoes.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/potato-plants-not-producing.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/potato-plants-not-producing.htm
http://outlawgarden.com/2012/05/11/your-sweet-potato-questions-answered/
Sometimes, believe it or not, the soil is too rich causing beautiful foliage but no spuds. Next time, pinch back some of the new growth every other week forcing the spuds to grow. Don't make them arid, but also don't water but once a week.
If your soil was ph balanced when you started and moderately fertilized, if they do not produce potatoes there is usually too much nitrogen in the soil. Do not feed them grass clippings for example. They do like potassium, so ground egg shells and coffee grounds are ok for them.