- Species and varieties: Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) come in various species and varieties. Some popular varieties include Beauregard, Jewel, Garnet, and Covington. Each variety has unique characteristics in terms of skin color, flesh color, and growth habits.
- Hybrid or heirloom: Sweet potatoes can be both hybrid and heirloom varieties. Heirloom varieties are often prized for their unique flavors and historical significance, while hybrid varieties are bred for improved disease resistance, yield, and uniformity.
- Pruning and training: Sweet potatoes do not require extensive pruning. However, it is important to manage the vines to prevent them from overtaking other plants. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and remove any affected foliage to maintain plant health.
- Fertilization needs: Sweet potatoes benefit from a balanced fertilizer with a higher potassium content. Apply a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-10 or similar at planting time. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive vine growth at the expense of tuber development. Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer midway through the growing season.
- Hardiness zones: Sweet potatoes are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. They thrive in warm climates and require a long growing season with temperatures consistently above 60°F (15°C).
- Climate requirements: Sweet potatoes require a warm and sunny climate with well-drained, sandy loam soil. They need a growing season of at least 90 to 120 days of warm weather. They are sensitive to frost and should be planted after the last frost date in spring.
