Sweet Potato

Plant Overview

Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) is listed in the Convolvulaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a tender perennial commonly grown as an annual crop life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.

Plant ID

PLT-0028

Family

Convolvulaceae

Plant type

Vegetable

Life cycle

Tender perennial commonly grown as an annual crop

Alternate names

Sweetpotato

Growth habit

Warm-season trailing vine producing enlarged storage roots

Mature height

6-12 in above soil

Mature spread

3-10 ft or more

Difficulty

Moderate

Growing Conditions

Sweet Potato is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then avoid waterlogged soil. The database soil reference is Loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam. The listed soil pH range is 5.5-6.5, and the listed hardiness range is 9-11 as a perennial; widely grown as an annual elsewhere.

Hardiness zones

9-11 as a perennial; widely grown as an annual elsewhere

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Water needs

Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then avoid waterlogged soil

Plant spacing

12-18 in between plants; 3-4 ft between rows

Seed & Germination

For propagation, the database note is usually propagated from slips rather than seed. Planting-depth guidance: Plant slips deep enough to cover the root zone and several stem nodes. The listed time to maturity is 90-150 days depending on variety and climate. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Usually propagated from slips rather than seed

Germination temperature

Warm soil is essential; strongest growth occurs above about 65°F

Seed depth

Plant slips deep enough to cover the root zone and several stem nodes

Sowing method

Plant rooted slips outdoors after soil and weather are reliably warm

Start indoors

Slips may be started indoors from healthy storage roots several weeks before planting

Transplanting

Transplant slips after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

90-150 days depending on variety and climate

Harvest

Dig roots before frost when they reach usable size; handle gently and cure in warm, humid conditions before storage

Propagation

Slips, vine cuttings, or storage roots

Pollination

Flowers are insect pollinated when present, but most crops are propagated vegetatively

Garden Information

Common pests

Sweet potato weevils, wireworms, flea beetles, whiteflies, root-knot nematodes

Common diseases

Fusarium wilt, black rot, scurf, soft rot, storage rots

Uses

Baking, roasting, boiling, frying, mashing, desserts, soups, storage