Q&A for How to Grow Yams

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What is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Both sweet potatoes and yams are root vegetables. All yams are actually sweet potatoes.

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Question

Are sweet potatoes hard to grow?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

They are an easy plant to grow, and just a few plants can offer a good harvest. They are typically found in the south because they require over 4 months of warm temperatures.

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Question

How long does it take to grow yams?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

It will take about 14 weeks. They require a long, warm season to grow to full maturity.

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Question

How do you plant yams?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Make sure the soil is loose and won't be too hard when the roots begin to expand. Also, make sure it is well drained and the temperature is right.

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Question

Do Colorado potato beetles feed on yams and sweet potatoes?

Community Answer

It is possible, but unlikely. Sweet potatoes, true yams and potatoes are all in separate families, and are unrelated.

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Question

What precautions should I take when planting yams?

Community Answer

Well-draining soil, plenty of organic matter, keep in sunlight. The best place is in a northwest part of the garden where it would be sheltered from any northern or eastern winds, which can be extremely cold at times.

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Question

What weather do yams grow best in?

Community Answer

Tropical and sub-tropical is ideal. After harvesting the yam, have a resting period for about three to four months through out the dry season to make suitable seeds.

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