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 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

25 Sep 17, Joss Roberts (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is it possible for Kumara to be grown in Christchurch, New Zealand.
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.
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, Annie Davis (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am also trying to find out if there is such a thing as kumara "seeds" and where they can be found?
Showing 151 - 160 of 311 comments

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