Plant Record

Cultural/Growing Information

pH: C (6 - 6.5)

EC (2:1 Extraction Method): B (0.6 - 0.9)

Fertilization Recommendations: H (200-300 ppm)

Rooting Out: C (65-72°F or 18-22°C)

Growing On: B-C (70-75°F or 21-24°C)

Holding Temperature: B (50-60°F or 10-16°C)

Light Levels: Moderate to High

Water Requirements: Moderate to Moist

Planting & Timing Information: Spring through Summer Finish. Standard PPP.

Finish Time 4-5": 5-6

Finish Time 6"/Gallon: 6-8

Finish Time 8": 8-10

Finish Time 10-12": 10-12

Pinching/Growth Regulators: Pinch once, 2 weeks after liner planting. PGRs are not necessary.

Pest and Disease Management: General pest and disease practices as listed in notes. Watch for aphids and white flies. Under high humidity and low light conditions, Oedema (syn. Intumesence) causes small bumps to form along the leaf veins. It is caused by the roots absorbing more water than the leaves can release. It usually resolves itself within a few weeks when light levels are higher and circulation is better. Prolonged wet foliage can lead to bacterial leaf spotting. Copper based fungicides will treat for this problem.

Grower Tips:

Chillin' varieties are very well branched, creating dense plants. This dense habit can make combination plantings challenging. They will make a great annual ground cover.

Special Notes: In low light conditions avoid wet soil and moisture on the foliage.

Spring Outdoor Finish?: C - Last to go outside

General Information

Description
The only surprising thing about the sudden popularity of Sweet Potato Vines is why it took so long to happen. Not nearly as wicked as its name implies, this Sweet Potato Vine has a trailing habit & deep purple leaves.

"A Real Simple magazine – Top 10 goofproof Plant"

Growing Tips
Ipomoeas are great additions to combination planters, but they can sometimes overwhelm less vigorous plants. If you are like me you can let your combination plants duke it out Darwinian style, however, if you prefer to keep a more balanced look to your combination planters, you can cut back or remove stems at any time.

Ipomoeas also make great annual groundcovers in the landscape.

In fall before first frost, dig, dry and store tubers in a dry medium (vermiculite or peat) in a cool dry corner of the basement. When tubers sprout in spring, cut them into sections (at least one eye per section) and plant the sections outdoors after last frost date. Tubers can also be sunk ½ way into a large-mouthed glass jar of water in early spring to generate sprouts that can be removed and planted. Container plants and or rooted cuttings taken in late summer may be overwintered indoors in bright sunny locations.

Potatoes formed by ornamental sweet potato vines are edible but are not as flavorful as those selected as a food crop.

An application of fertilizer or compost on garden beds and regular fertilization of plants in pots will help ensure the best possible performance.

Exposure
Sun or partial sun

Height
6-12"

Spacing
18-24"

Hardy Temp
30°F (-1°C)

Zone(s)
10-11

Uses
Use in hanging baskets, beds, borders and window boxes

Features
Stunning dark purple, almost black, cascading foliage

There are no other plants in this series

Awards Won

2009 - Prairie Star
  -Kansas State University
2009 - Prairie Star
  -Kansas State University
2008 - Top Performer
  -National Arboretum
2008 - Top Performer in Ground
  -Kansas State University
2008 - Top Performer in Containers
  -Kansas State University
2007 - Prairie Star
  -Kansas State University
2005 - Top Performer
  -University of Illinois-Champaign County Master Gardeners
2004 - Annuals of Note
  -Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden