sweet potato

Also known as: Brazilian arrowroot; jalap tops; kumar; kumara; Spanish potato; yam

A variable species of twining perennial climber, often grown as an annual, with some cultivars valued for their edible roots. Leaves are usually ovate to heart-shaped, sometimes lobed and sometimes flushed with purple. Funnel-shaped flowers, often purple or occasionally white, are produced in summer

Scientific classification

Species: sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Genus: Ipomoea
Family: Convolvulaceae

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Climber Wall Shrub · Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 1.5-2.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Climbing
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

sweet potato pictures

Distribution of sweet potato

Distribution map

Indonesia

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of sweet potato

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sweet potato care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Routine pruning is unnecessary; shorten overlong shoots to fit the available space. For last-year flowering growth, prune after flowering; for current-year flowering growth, prune in late winter or spring. This guidance is for established plants.

Propagation

Edible cultivars are grown from slips (rooted shoots from a tuber); these can be potted and grown indoors in spring and planted out after frosts

Growing

Grow in well-drained, sandy loam in full sun, provide support for climbing stems. May be grown outdoors in warmer regions, but best grown under glass in colder areas (minimum temperature 7-10°C)

More growing and care information →