The Carolina Ruby sweet potato is a popular choice for home gardeners, known for its visual appeal and generous yields. Developed by North Carolina State University in 1988, this variety has gained favor due to its robust growth and high productivity. It offers appealing characteristics, making it a desirable option for cultivation.
Growing Carolina Ruby Sweet Potatoes
Site Selection and Soil
Carolina Ruby sweet potatoes thrive in locations receiving ample sunlight, ideally at least eight to ten hours daily. They perform best in well-drained, loose, sandy loam or silt loam soils. Heavy clay soils can impede root development, leading to smaller or malformed tubers. The optimal soil pH ranges from 5.8 to 6.2, though they tolerate 4.5 to 7.5.
Planting Slips
Carolina Ruby sweet potatoes are grown from “slips,” which are vine cuttings from sprouted sweet potatoes. Plant slips after all danger of frost has passed, when day and nighttime temperatures are consistently warm. The soil temperature should reach at least 65°F (18°C) before planting for successful establishment. Slips are typically planted 12 to 18 inches apart in rows, allowing ample space for their spreading vines.
Watering and Nutrition
Consistent moisture is important for sweet potato development, especially during tuber formation. Aim for about one inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation. While established plants tolerate some drought, steady moisture helps prevent issues like root cracking or splitting. Overwatering can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development.
Sweet potatoes require relatively low nitrogen but higher amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Excess nitrogen promotes lush vine growth without supporting tuber formation. A balanced fertilizer with higher potassium can support healthy root production. Soil testing provides precise recommendations for nutrient application.
Pest and Disease Management
Carolina Ruby sweet potatoes exhibit high resistance to common diseases like Fusarium wilt and Streptomyces soil rot. However, they can be susceptible to certain pests. Sweet potato weevils are a significant concern, as their larvae tunnel into tubers, causing considerable damage. Wireworms and flea beetles can also affect sweet potato roots.
To manage pests, cultural practices like crop rotation disrupt pest life cycles. Encouraging natural predators helps control populations of pests like aphids and whiteflies. Regularly inspecting plants for signs of pests or diseases allows for early intervention. For root-knot nematodes, selecting resistant varieties or practicing crop rotation are beneficial.
Harvesting and Curing
Carolina Ruby sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest after 90 to 125 days. The optimal time is before the first hard frost, or when the plant’s leaves yellow and stems droop, as frost can damage tubers and affect storage quality.
When harvesting, carefully dig around plants to avoid damaging tubers. Use a garden fork, starting about 20 inches away from the plant crown, and gently loosen the soil to locate the sweet potatoes. After digging, brush off excess soil but avoid washing roots, as moisture encourages rot. Damaged or diseased sweet potatoes will not store well and should be set aside.
Curing is a crucial post-harvest step that enhances flavor, texture, and storage life. This process involves holding freshly harvested tubers at specific temperatures and humidity levels. Ideal curing conditions are 85-90°F (29-32°C) with 85-90% relative humidity for 5 to 10 days. This warm, humid environment allows minor cuts to heal, converts starches into sugars for a sweeter taste, and improves longevity.
Characteristics and Uses
The Carolina Ruby sweet potato is distinctive for its vibrant appearance and flavor. It features deep red to purplish skin, contrasting with its rich, dark orange flesh. The flesh is moist, smooth, not stringy, and possesses a moderately sweet, rich flavor. This variety also produces high yields of blocky, well-shaped roots.
Once harvested and cured, Carolina Ruby sweet potatoes are versatile in the kitchen. Their moist texture and appealing sweetness make them suitable for various culinary applications. They can be baked, roasted, or mashed, integrating well into both savory dishes and sweet desserts. This sweet potato is particularly good for pies.