Growing Sweet Potato, also Kumara

Ipomoea batatas : Convolvulaceae / the morning glory family

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

(Best months for growing Sweet Potato in Australia - tropical regions)

  • P = Plant crowns
  • 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

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.
18 Nov 17, Gary (Australia - arid climate)
Thanks for that, MIke...I'm now keen to give that a try. Cheers.
01 Sep 17, Roscoe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We live in the Brisbane Valley. Our sweet potatoes never die off.
04 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is perennial - will grow for a few years.
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.
05 Jun 17, Leonie Haynes (Australia - temperate climate)
Just a silly thought of mine, is it possible to grow a tuber in a pot inside the house. Our wood fire is going 24/7, somewhere between 18 to 24 degrees. Whats ppls thoughts. Thanks Leonie xx
06 Jun 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Most if not all plants need some sunlight. Photosynthesis is the chemical process used in plants to convert energy in the form of sunlight into chemical energy in the form of sugars or other carbohydrates. The general process involves the combination of carbon dioxide, water and light energy to produce oxygen and carbohydrates. In plants and algae, this process occurs in an organelle called the chloroplast. Some types of bacteria perform photosynthesis in a slightly different process which does not produce oxygen.
08 Jun 17, Leonie Haynes (Australia - temperate climate)
Thankyou Mike for that informative information. I might try to start them in the house a month or 2 earlier, like a hot house then place them out. We dont have the long summer that they require, never know it might just work. God bless Mike.
21 Jun 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They grow them all year round in Bundaberg - even during winter. Temps 4-15, av about 10-11 in winter at night. Low 20's in the day.
23 May 17, love blue tongue (Australia - tropical climate)
how long will it take to grow
Showing 71 - 80 of 196 comments

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