Also known as A̱nya̱nyiat A̱da̱ngka̱li · Baataat · Batate
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous root crop, cultivated globally for its edible roots and leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and tuber production.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Check top 2-3 cm of soil; water when dry.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost; it is a warm-season crop.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer before planting and sparingly mid-season if needed.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Sweet potatoes thrive in consistently moist soil but dislike waterlogging. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during cooler periods or if grown indoors.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers.
Pruning is generally not required for sweet potatoes unless vines become excessively long and unruly, especially in confined spaces. Trim back overly long vines to encourage bushier growth and improve air circulation.
Remove any yellowing or diseased foliage promptly.
Sweet potatoes are propagated vegetatively from 'slips,' which are sprouts grown from mature tubers. Place a tuber in warm water or moist soil until slips develop.
Once slips have roots, they can be planted directly into the ground or containers.
Repotting is typically done when transplanting slips or seedlings into larger containers. Choose a pot at least 30 cm deep and wide to accommodate root development. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Repotting is not usually necessary for mature plants unless they outgrow their space.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Where Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) is found
Density
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10 known issues from plant disease data
Sweetpotato Scurf on Sweetpotato causes purple to dark brown skin-deep patches that slowly spread over the root surface.
Southern Blight on Sweetpotato causes sudden wilt and collapse after sprouting, with white growth and small brown pellets near soil.
Bacterial Wilt on Sweetpotato causes wilting, yellow older leaves, stunting, and brown vascular streaking in stems and roots.
Geotrichum Sour Rot on Sweetpotato causes wet soft root rot with a strong sour smell and white tufts on the root surface.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Ipomoea |
| Species | Ipomoea batatas |
Similar in genus Ipomoea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
