garden
Sweet potato
Ipomoea batatas
Edible
Edible Partstuber, leaves
Overview
A tropical vine that produces one of the world's most nutritious root vegetables, sweet potatoes are the fourth most important food crop globally. Despite their name, they are unrelated to regular potatoes — they're in the morning glory family. Orange-fleshed varieties are exceptionally rich in beta-carotene, while purple types contain powerful anthocyanins.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones8 — 11
Height0.4m
Spread1.5m
Growth HabitVine
LifespanPerennial
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.5 — 6.5
Soil TypeLoose, well-drained, sandy loam; heavy soil causes misshapen roots
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Plant slips 2 weeks after last frost; needs 100+ days |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Harvest before first frost; cure 10 days |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant slips after soil warms to 65°F |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Harvest before frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant slips when soil warm |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Harvest when leaves yellow |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant slips in spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Aug — Oct | Harvest 100-120 days after planting |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant slips; can do two crops |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest at 100 days; cure in warm spot |
Uses
Culinary
- Baked, roasted, or mashed as a versatile side dish
- Fries and chips
- Pies, casseroles, and sweet potato gnocchi
Medicinal
- Orange varieties exceptionally rich in beta-carotene
- Purple varieties high in anthocyanins
- Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy
Other Uses
- Ornamental trailing vine for containers (ornamental varieties)
- Leaves are nutritious and edible as a cooked green
Safety Notes
Sweet potato leaves are edible when cooked. Sprouted or green-skinned tubers may contain mild toxins — trim before eating.
