Growing Sweet Potato, also Kumara

Ipomoea batatas : Convolvulaceae / the morning glory family

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

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • 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 (can grow beside): Best in Separate bed

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
15 Jun 19, Chris Herden (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Kathy. I live in Lismore and Hunter Valley, NSW. I have sweet potato cuttings available of NZ Kumara. I can send photos.Cuttings will be ready in Late Winter/Spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Sep 17, Kerry (Australia - temperate climate)
Kathy if you buy a sweet potato from the supermarket place it on a pot of potting mix keep it moist but not wet and it will throw shoots. Coff the shoots as they reach about 100mm without disturbing the tuba and plant the shoot in its growing position in suitable soil or potting mix and keep moist. The tuber will continue to throw new shoots and you continue to harvest and replant the shoots as above, From a single tuba you may harvest a dozen or more shoots. Best wishes and good luck.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Buy some sweet potatoes and plant them in the ground about 4-6" in the ground. In about 6-8 weeks you should have plants about 4-6" high. Pull these stems out (slips) and plant about 30-40cm or so apart. Plant them in a hilled up (about 12-18" high) row. Or cut the ends off the sweet potatoes and put some wooden skewers in them and have them half in a glass of water. Look up how to grow sweet potatoes on the internet.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have just talked to a person who commercially grows sweet potatoes. Some backpackers were in the field and I went and asked them about picking slips. The owner came over and told me what they do. After a sweet potato crop has been growing for about 8-10 weeks, people go along and break off some of the runners (vines) and they take the 15-20" (450-500mm) end section - it has to have at least 3 places where the roots will come down from the vine into the soil. This is then planted into the soil - it and the soil has to be kept watered. The vine will send down roots and the sweet potato plant will grow. The tubers will develop where the roots develop. Plant in a hilled up garden bed.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Nov 17, Gary (Australia - arid climate)
Thanks for that, MIke...I'm now keen to give that a try. Cheers.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Sep 17, Joss Roberts (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is it possible for Kumara to be grown in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Sep 17, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Kumara needs a long summer/autumn before frosts start. Your microclimate might suit it. It's probably worth a try. One kumara used to produce growing shoots would not be very expensive.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Sep 17, Roscoe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We live in the Brisbane Valley. Our sweet potatoes never die off.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is perennial - will grow for a few years.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Jun 17, Jennie (Australia - temperate climate)
I was interested to see that you have Kumara listed as not recommended for temperate zones. Mine come up like weeds on the south coast of WA and are prolific producers.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 151 - 160 of 316 comments
See comments for all plants

Plant the tubers that you want to grow but in a separate bed. They will sprout lots of shoots which will also have roots near the base. When the shoots are 40 to 50 cm long put a fork under the tuber and gently lift it out. Separate the shoots and plant them in the bed you have prepared for them as indicated in the article above. Last year, before I knew this, I planted several tubers where I wanted them to grow but after learning the right method I dug up three and planted out about 50 slips. The slips can be left in water while you are waiting to plant them out and in a few days mine put out prolific roots where the base was under water. You can also start the sprouting inside, cutting the tops off tubers and putting the cut down in shallow water, then planting them out when they start to sprout. Roots will also start growing but later than the shoots. Look for the eyes in the tubers as they are where the shoots come from.

- Paul

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.