Sweet Potato
Ipomoea batatas
Family: Convolvulaceae · Genus: Ipomoea
The sweet potato is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. Its large, starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots are used as a root vegetable. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens.
Soil Temperature
17°C – 35°C
Spacing
40 – 60 cm
Harvest
15–17 weeks
Sowing
Plant shoots or cuttings (slips).
Growing Schedule Zone 8b
Avoid Growing Near
Growing Notes
Sweet Potatoes require a long warm growing season. Plant in free draining loose soil. Fertilise before planting but no more when the plants are growing as it will encourage vine growth. They will go for miles and you will get no tubers. If they do start spreading, lift the vines off the ground to prevent them rooting. Mound up the soil about 20 cm before planting. Let the plants die down before harvesting the tubers. Dry them in the sun for a few days, then store in a cool dry place for up to five months.
Culinary Hints
Use mashed, boiled, roasted, baked or fried. Or use in soups, pies, casseroles, curries and salads.