Sweet Potatoe Vine

Month to Month Care for Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

January

 

February

 

March

 

April

Sweet Potato Vine – This plant is easy to start indoors two or three weeks before expected last frost.  The tubers look like regular sweet potatoes.  Plant the tubers either inside or outside after frost danger placing them about an inch below the surface of the soil.  They want full sun or light shade.

Plant new Sweet Potato Vine seedlings purchased at the garden center or nursery, as soon as danger of frost is past and the soil is warm. 

May

Sweet Potato Vine – Optional task – Sweet Potato Vines grow best when mulched.  As soon as the Sweet Potato Vine seedlings are tall enough, spread a 2 or 3 inch layer of some organic material such as chopped leaves, dried grass or wood chips on the soil around the plants. 

June

Sweet Potato Vine – If you want some extra plants this season, cut off a 6 inch stem and place it in a glass of water.  In a week or two they will root and then can be planted in the garden. 

July

Sweet Potato Vine – This plant can be attacked by certain insects that damage the foliage.  If that happens simply cut back the stems to a foot or two.  The new growth will soon cover the plants and by that time the insects have moved on in their life cycle.  Rabbits can also be a problem for this plant.

August

 

September

Sweet Potato Vine – If you want to have this plant come back next year you can dig the tubers and store them in a dark, cool place during the winter. Then you replant them in the spring.

October

 

November

 

December

 

 

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