Growing Sweet Potato, also Kumara

Ipomoea batatas : Convolvulaceae / the morning glory family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
          T            

(Best months for growing Sweet Potato in Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer regions)

  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Plant shoots or cuttings (Slips). Best planted at soil temperatures between 17°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in Separate bed
  • New shoots on Kumara
  • Well grown Kumara

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 20 cm (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

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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Canada | for all countries
23 Sep 20, Elizabeth Gower (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Where can I get Kumara in the USA? I live in Southern Ventura County, Southern California and would like to grow some.
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23 Sep 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You probably need to look for sweet potato
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31 Aug 20, ganaa (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
how can i plant in in the polar? (Gardenate ; Not recommended for growing in Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic regions)
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26 Nov 16, Sherry (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Where can I buy NZ Kumura to grow in my garden?
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See comments for all plants

A friend of mine gave me some sweet potato plants rooted and planted in soil before last winter. She told me to keep them and water occasionally and plant in April/May in North Texas. These little plants are about 6" high with multiple shoots from a center stalk. Do I plant the whole plant in a pot or cut off the shoots and plant? Confused? Thank you.

- Carolyn

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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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