Unpack the cuttings right away. They may look wilted and pale from shipping which is normal. Sweet potato plants are tough and strong and most of them will survive if they are set properly and have a good growing climate. Plants will succeed even if they are yellow, slimy, and even become slightly smelly.
To revive them before planting, remove any dead or yellow leaves, trim the rotted end and rinse any slime off of the roots. Stick the roots in water for a day or so. Do not wet the stem or leaves. Change water a few times if needed. Keep at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
The slips should be planted 8–14 inches apart. Examine each plant, and bury the bottom portion of the stem where the roots are visible. Be sure to allow at least two leaves to remain above the soil line. Press the soil firmly but gently around each plant, and water immediately.
Sweet potatoes will keep growing as long as the weather is warm. The tops do not die back to indicate harvest time as with Irish potatoes. Therefore, keep checking the size of your taters for maturity. Stop watering 2–3 weeks before harvest. Be careful when digging so as not to injure the potatoes.
