Sweet Potato Plants, Lilac Beauty

star-filled
4.4
15 Reviews
Sku:
#SWLL103
$17.25
$13.00

Description

(Ipomoea batatas). Your order contains 5 plants. A gorgeous lilac purple sweet potato with gourmet flavor. This Asian-type sweet potato has a dry, firm texture that we love. Like most Asian types, the flesh is medium-low in sweetness, but does not skimp in flavor—it is one of the best purple varieties we’ve found. While it is similar in color to the Okinawan purple sweet potato, it is noted to be more productive in northern climates. 

 

Please consider these terms before ordering live plants: Most plants will be 3”-7” in height. All plants will ship promptly as available. Please make sure you are ready for your order in your zone as these young, tender plants generally have no resistance to cold. 

  • Perennial in zones 7-11

  • 90-120 days to maturity

  • 6-8 hours of full sun

  • Planting Depth: 2-3”

  • Plant Spacing: 12-18”

  • Ideal Temperature: 75-85 F

  • Frost Hardy: No

 

 

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Growing Tips

Lilac Beauty sweet potatoes are heirloom crops that thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. The rooted plants arrive ready to plant, but before planting, hydrate the roots by soaking them in water or wrapping them in a damp paper towel for a few hours. If your region’s last frost date has already passed, you can harden them off and plant them directly in the garden.

When to Grow

Sweet potatoes are a long-season crop, requiring 90-120 days of warm temperatures to mature. Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, when soil temperatures are at least 60 F. In northern climates, using black plastic mulch can help warm the soil and speed up growth. Learn more about how to find your region’s frost dates in our blog post,Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

Plant sweet potato slips 12-18 inches apart in raised beds or rows mulched with plastic or a thick layer of straw. Plant slips 2-3 inches deep, making sure that the roots and lower stem are buried while keeping the leaves above soil level. Do not skip mulching! It is essential for weed suppression, soil warmth, and moisture retention. Space rows 3-4 feet apart to allow room for the vines to spread. Water thoroughly after planting. 

How to Grow

Sweet potatoes need consistent watering while young, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. As the vines mature and spread, they become more drought-tolerant, so you can reduce watering to every few days. Fertilization is generally not needed, as too much nitrogen results in leaf growth over root development. Avoid disturbing the roots while the plants are growing. Lilac Beauty sweet potatoes are generally low-maintenance, but they can attract wireworms, flea beetles, and sweet potato weevils. Keeping the plants mulched and maintaining good soil drainage can help prevent pest issues. 

How to Save

  • Sweet potatoes are not propagated by seeds, but rather by saving tubers over the winter in a cool, dark place to replant the following spring. 

  • Be sure to select the most healthy tubers for replanting.

  • Follow this comprehensive video guide to curing and storing sweet potatoes over winter.

FAQ

How deep should I plant Lilac Beauty sweet potatoes?
Plant slips 2-3 inches deep, covering the roots but keeping the leaves above the soil.

Why is mulching Lilac Beauty sweet potatoes important?
Mulch helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, and warm the soil, all of which are very important for healthy growth. Without weed suppression, the vines will quickly get out of control.

How often should I water Lilac Beauty sweet potatoes?
Water regularly while the plants are still young, then every few days as they mature and become more drought-tolerant.

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Sweet Potato Plants, Lilac Beauty
star-filled
4.4
Customer reviews (15)

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