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 an 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Sweet Potato is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Sweet Potato in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Sweet Potato in the garden
Sweet Potato earns its place for edible harvests.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Sweet Potato with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.