When to Pick Hayman Potatoes

Time to Harvest

The Hayman is ready for harvest within 95 to 125 days of planting. Plant the sweet potatoes in early to midspring, generally in April or May for most areas. This results in a late summer or early fall harvest in August or September. The potatoes reach maturity faster when proper cultural conditions are followed, including planting them in slightly acidic, well-draining soil, mulch for water retention and weed control, and watering with at least 1 inch of water per week.

Hayman sweet potatoes don't change color during the growing season, so there are few indicators from the plant itself that it's time to pick. There might be a slight yellowing of the leaves on the plant, which indicates that the plant is done circulating nutrients and is ready to pick. The potatoes should be firm to the touch. The other way is tracking the days.

Pull or cut the potatoes from the vines and leave them in the garden. This sudden stoppage of nutrient flow with continued exposure to the elements toughens the skin and lowers the risk of the skins being stripped during the harvesting and washing process. Harvest even late-planted Hayman sweet potatoes before the first frost, as frost kills the vines. However, fully mature sweet potatoes can withstand brief exposure to frost without damage.

Wear cotton gloves when harvesting Hayman potatoes. The gloves are softer than your skin and will not pull at the Hayman's skin. Don't wash the potatoes until ready for use or sale. After harvesting, store the potatoes for six days in an area with a temperature around 85 degrees and humidity around 90 percent. This increase in temperature and humidity increases sugars and color and helps heal bruising sustained during harvest. After that, keep them 55 to 60 degrees and humid. They can be stored for up to 10 months in these conditions.