Sweet Potato Growing Guide

Ipomoea batatas

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Light, sandy soil is best, but can adapt to any fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Mulch the soil with rich compost before planting.

Spacing

Single Plants: 45cm (1' 5") each way (minimum)
Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant 'slips' that grow from sprouting tubers in late spring or early summer, after the soil is very warm.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Sweet potatoes form a dense green ground cover, thriving in hot summer conditions. Tubers are often found 12 inches or more from the plant's primary crown, so dig carefully.

Harvesting

Dig in autumn when the soil is still warm. Cure in a warm, airy place for two weeks before storing at cool room temperatures.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Sweet Potato

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail