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 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

Your comments and tips

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
24 May 17, Ken (Australia - temperate climate)
Sweet potatoes would normally be harvested when the leaves of the vine start to turn yellow or when frosts begin. You can carefully remove them as soon as they are big enough if you want to but try not to damage the rest of the plant.
07 May 17, Carol (Australia - temperate climate)
It is may and we have harvested some sweet potatoes - what I want to know is can I plant any of these smaller potatoes (as one would with seed potatoes) and let them grow through Winter? we have no frosts, or do I have to begine the plant again in Nov from a sprouting? I am just thinking it would seem good to take the smaller potato and plant in a new bed thro winder for an earlier crop?
Showing 71 - 80 of 194 comments

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

- Leonie Haynes

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