Sweet Potato

Ornamental sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are fast growing, twining vines that have been cultivated into a wonderful variety of colors. Two varieties were planted this year in the edible garden beneath the George Washington Carver Persimmon in an edible garden. Paired with tomatoes, peppers and ornamental peanut, these vines have done beautifully. We chose the varieties known as ‘Blackie’ with a rich purple variegated foliage and the chartreuse foliage of 'Margarita' to compliment each other in the garden bed. These vines are a beautiful compliment to each other.

In a warmer climate like ours, the potato tubers do not need to be removed from the ground each year and they will re-sprout in place. The tubers can be dug up yearly and divided into pieces and then replanted. Each section should have at least one potato ‘eye’ visible for the vine to sprout. The flowers of these vines can be found here and there but when they are found they are a real gem. The purple blooms have a deeper purple throat and a star shaped impression that is truly lovely.