Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas) is a fast-growing tropical vine cultivated both as an edible crop for its starchy tubers and as a popular ornamental for its bold foliage in shades of chartreuse, bronze, purple, and variegated. The ornamental cultivars spread quickly as ground cover or cascade from containers, with heart-shaped or deeply lobed leaves. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Herbaceous perennial
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Sweet potato vine grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. In NE Florida's intense summer heat, some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch, though foliage color is most vivid in full sun.
Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during establishment and hot summer months. The plant will wilt noticeably when thirsty and recovers quickly after watering. Reduce frequency in cooler months.
Thrives in Florida's sandy, well-drained soil. Incorporate compost at planting to improve moisture retention. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring; avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage over tubers.
Similar needs
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Common questions
Is Sweet Potato Vine a good plant for St. Augustine?
Sweet Potato Vine is a vine for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 12-18 inches × 3-6+ feet (spreading vines).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.