Sweet Potato — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Ipomoea batatas |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 91.4–304.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 9–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Ipomoea batatas is a tropical American vine domesticated in Central or South America before 2500 BCE and now grown worldwide as one of the most nutritious staple vegetables — the orange-fleshed varieties are among the richest plant sources of beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Grow from slips (rooted stem cuttings) purchased in spring or sprouted from a store-bought tuber in a jar of water; harvest after 90-120 frost-free days when vines begin to yellow, digging carefully to avoid cutting the roots. In zone 9-10, slips left in the ground may overwinter and produce a perennial planting; cure harvested tubers at 85-90°F for 1-2 weeks before storage to convert starch to sugar and heal surface cuts.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0