Dettelbach Farms

Sweet potatoes are propagated using small seed potatoes, which serve as the starting point for the growing process. These seed potatoes are stored in temperature-controlled environments from fall through spring to preserve their viability for the upcoming planting season. In early March, seed potatoes are bedded, covered with soil, and then overlaid with plastic. The plastic covering retains heat and moisture, creating optimal conditions for sprout development. By early May, the plastic is removed, and the sprouts, known as slips, are ready to be transplanted. Slips are carefully cut above the soil line in preparation for field planting. Beginning in early May, once the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F, the slips are transplanted into the field. Sweet potatoes require 95 to 120 days to mature. During this period, the tubers establish strong root systems to absorb the nutrients and moisture necessary for healthy development. Harvesting begins in early September when the sweet potatoes reach optimal size and maturity. The crop is harvested and initially graded in the field. It is then transported to our storage facilities for further handling. The harvest season typically concludes by mid-October. Post-Harvest Handling Following harvest, sweet potatoes are stored with soil intact in temperature-controlled coolers to allow for curing and long-term preservation. When orders are received, the sweet potatoes are washed, graded, and packed to fulfill the needs of retailers, wholesalers, foodservice providers, processors, and local consumers. We proudly ship over 1,000,000 cases of sweet potatoes annually, ensuring consistent, year-round supply.