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Growing Sweet Potato/Kumara

(Ipomoea batatas)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
          P            

(Best months for planting Sweet Potato/Kumara in USA - Zone 5a regions)

P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • Plant shoots or cuttings (Slips). Best planted at soil temperatures between 63°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with: Best in Separate bed
  • New shoots on Kumara
  • Well grown Kumara

Frost tender 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 20cm (8 in) before planting Let the plants die down, (leaves die or turn yellow) 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 - cooking and eating Sweet Potato/Kumara

Use mashed, boiled, roasted, baked or fried. Or use in soups, pies, casseroles, curries and salads.


Your comments and tips

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21 Mar 12, Malina Beatrice (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I found Kumara at Whole Foods in Encino, but they had them labeled "Japanese Sweet Potato." If I hadn't just seen them on a trip to NZ, I never would have known! Hope it helps.
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02 Jan 12, Lisa Baird (USA - Zone 6a climate)
I also long for NZ Kumara, and have been unable to find them in the states. Where can I order tubers for growing or for eating? I'll start a greenhouse if needed. Thank you.
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18 Nov 11, graham (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I would like to try to grow kumara potatoes in our green house as you say they need a long growing season. Can you advise me where I can buy tubers/seeds? Many thanks Graham
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17 Mar 11, Kim Davies (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I ate kumara everyday when visiting NZ and loved it! Because it was less sweet than USA sweet potatoes. I am craving it and need to find out how and if I can get seeds and grow it in Virginia? Would love your help on this!
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Post a question, comment or tip about Sweet Potato/Kumara

I found Kumara at Whole Foods in Encino, but they had them labeled "Japanese Sweet Potato." If I hadn't just seen them on a trip to NZ, I never would have known! Hope it helps.

- Malina Beatrice


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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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