What it is
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) is in the Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory) family. One of the best survival calories for the Deep South — heat-loving, drought-tough, and the leaves are edible too.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it low once established, and give it loose, sandy preferred soil. Target a soil pH around 5.5–6.5. Space plants about 12–18 in apart. Expect roughly 90–120. Warm-season; loves Texas heat.
How it's used
Sweet Potato is used: roasted, mashed, stored; leaves cooked.
🔎 How to identify it
- Heart-shaped or lobed vine leaves
- Trailing ground vines
- Morning-glory-type flowers
Edibility
PartsTubers and young leaves
UsesRoasted, mashed, stored; leaves cooked
CautionNone; not related to true potato.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.