How to Grow Sweet Potato Plants
Discover the joy of cultivating vibrant sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) in your garden. These sun-loving plants thrive in well-drained soils, with varieties ranging from vines to compact bushes like Vardaman. Plan your harvest before frost, typically in 90-100 days, and enjoy a colorful bounty – gold, red, and purple sweet potatoes!
Sweet potatoes are nutritious, starchy root vegetables. Sweet potato plants are in the same family as morning glories (Convolvulaceae), and are only distantly related to potatoes. Since they are not in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) with potatoes, sweet potatoes are a dietary alternative for people who are sensitive to nightshades.
The trick to growing great sweet potatoes is to plan before you plant. Follow these recommendations for success in planting and harvesting sweet potatoes.