I've always used slipt to start plants, can you plant those small ones and get them to grow as well? I have a lot of little ones left from last year.

I wonder if I have a chance in heck of growing some here. I could put them in those big black pots that trees come in at nurseries to assure full sun. The black should warm the soil also. I can start them indoors also. What do you think?

I think the shortest season ones I know of are 90 days. Most are 100 days or more. If your growing season is that long you'd be OK.

Mary Stella, sweet potato vines really ssttrreettcchh out. They won't take a frost, neither in the spring nor in the fall. They are "delicate". Also, if you have deer about, they will wipe those leaves away. Deer love sweet potato leaves more than anything else I have ever grown. Because of your cold, I don't know whether you have a long enough growing season.

You could grow them just for the vines, they are pretty to look at.

Tom, I've got several little ones, that are not really worth peeling and using, that I thought I'd save for slips. They're firm and look good in storage. Shouldn't that work? I've also got a couple of 5 lb. monsters that I haven't used because I just don't typically need that much. One of those may make a good source for slips otherwise.

Or you could grow them and eat the leaves. Cook them as you would spinach.

I've never know this, greeme, and this is great to hear because I'm always looking for warm weather greens! Is the flavor similar to spinach? Stronger perhaps? Wondering if they would require blanching.

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. It may take a while to adjust to the taste, but free food is free food, right?
If you can get to an Asian market and buy one of their fresh sweet potatoes (or what ever they may call it) that type may have better tasting leaves.
Or look for 'Japanese Sweet Potato with Edible Leaves' and you may find the exact kind they use in Japan.
I have been nursing a few along inside the house this winter hoping they can hang on until the weather warms up.

Edited to add:
Sand Hill has tons of varieties; some in limited quantity.
http://www.sandhillpreservatio...

The one I was thinking of may be called Okinawa or Okinawan by some sellers.