Sweet Potato Plants, Pumpkin Yam

star-filled
4.4
5 Reviews
Sku:
#SWPY107
$17.25
$13.00
Notify me when this product is in stock

Description

(Ipomoea batatas). Your order contains 5 plants. A delicious old-fashioned sweet potato that has golden-red skin and moist, flavorful flesh that is bright orange in color. The short bush-like vines produce good-sized “clusters” of these earthly jewels. Easy to dig and grows well in our gardens. This variety was common for about 75 years and the first known mention was in 1868, but in modern times it has disappeared. So we are happy to bring it back into circulation and back to America’s dinner tables. A tasty treat that is part of our country’s history, although it may have been introduced here from Brazil. Very rare and hard to find! 

 

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

Pumpkin Yam sweet potato is an heirloom that thrives in warm climates, requiring a long growing season and full sun. This variety prefers loose, well-draining, sandy soil. Keep the soil consistently moist as plants establish, then reduce watering as the vines mature. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which lead to excessive vine growth instead of tuber development.

When to Grow

Plant Pumpkin Yam sweet potatoes after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 60 F. In cooler climates, try using black plastic mulch, raised beds, or row covers to warm the soil and extend the season. Since sweet potatoes are frost-sensitive, be sure to check your local last frost date before planting. If you’re not sure how to do that, consult our blog postOur Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

Hydrate the slips by soaking the roots in water or wrapping them in a damp paper towel before planting. Loosen the soil 12 inches deep, form 8-inch-high mounds, and space slips 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Plant slips 2-3 inches deep, ensuring the roots and lower stem are buried while keeping the leaves above soil level. Mulch with plastic or a thick layer of straw to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and warm the soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist as plants establish.

How to Grow

Water consistently in the first few weeks to help plants establish. Once the vines spread and mature, they become more drought-tolerant, and watering can be reduced to every few days. You can fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) about 3-4 weeks after planting to encourage tuber development. Since vines spread widely, ensure they have enough space.

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 do I know when Pumpkin Yam sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?
Harvest when the leaves and vines start to yellow, usually 90-120 days after planting. Dig carefully to avoid damaging the tubers.

Can I eat Pumpkin Yam sweet potato leaves?
Yes, the leaves are edible, nutritious, and commonly used in stir-fries and salads. They have a mild, spinach-like flavor and are rich in vitamins A and C.

Why is mulching important for Pumpkin Yam sweet potatoes?
Mulching with straw or plastic suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and warms the soil. Without mulch, weeds may compete for nutrients, and vines can become difficult to manage.

exclamation-circle
Product can't be shipped to: Internationally
delivery
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U. S. A. Alternate domestic shipping options available at checkout
Sweet Potato Plants, Pumpkin Yam
star-filled
4.4
Customer reviews (5)
$13.00
Close Popup