A vigorous, heat-loving vine grown from rooted cuttings called slips, yielding sweet, nutritious tubers. The leaves are edible too, and it makes a lush summer groundcover.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 30 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Sweet Potato
Ipomoea batatas is a fast-growing edible plant in the Convolvulaceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato suits subtropical, tropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Sweet Potato does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Sweet Potato does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Sweet Potato in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Sweet Potato in the garden
Sweet Potato earns its place for edible harvests.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate as Sweet Potato. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Sweet Potato
Plant Sale lists Sweet Potato as tube stock and seedlings. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
