Ornamental Sweet Potato Vines

Can I just plant the whole sweet potato in soil and let it grow that way.

Debby, are you talking about growing sweet potatoes for a vegetable or the ornamental sweet potato vine? The ornamental vine is not grown from a regular sweet potato. There are two kinds, one is chartreuse green, called Margarite and a deep purple, called Blackie. At a nearby nursery they were planted together, they were stunning!

I have both the Blackie and Margarite. My ? is can I plant the whole tuber in ground.

Hi Debby -

I had them in the ground the first year and they were so invasive that I now keep them in a container. Here in 9b they just stay outside all winter waiting for warm weather to come again.

That first year I had a full large wheel barrow full of tubers that had spread to about 4' x 4' underground, from 2 4" pots put in at the beginning of the season. It was a real job getting them all out. So I'm happy to see them return each Spring, but happy also that they are contained.

Just stick the tuber in the ground when its warm enough in your zone and watch them grow!! Or put them in a big pot and they cascade nicely over the edge and can be dug and brought in for winter.

I've seen many pictures of this beautiful plant. Anyone know where I can buy them? Don't see them in any of my plant catalogues. Maybe the feed and seed store? I've got to have them both.

Do you have a Park's Seeds catalog? They have them.

I don't have a Parks catalogue but will check their web page.

They are very popular and been out for quite a few years. You could problably get them locally at your feed and seed store. Wal-Mart even have them.

Does Parks sell the seeds? I have only purchased nursery plugs. They are nice together.

Glenda--I had the 'Marguerite' (lime green) one last year in containers and overwintered indoors. I've just started some cuttings (they usually root in 2-3 days in water!!). I can send you some if you email me your addy.

Brenda

Langbr...you have mail.

IaNovice--you have mail back :-)

Thanks Langbr but I would really like the tubers. If anyone has a tuber of Margarit and Blackie sure would like to get them. I've looked everywhere and can't find them. One site said they grow 10 to 12" and I want the ones you folks are talking about. I would be happy to send postage for priority mail if someone has them.I think they are beautiful and I have to have them both. Have to-Have to!

Langbr--What size container do you put them in?

glenda--anything from 1/2 gal sized pots on up. Just depends. Right now the plant I saved over winter is in a 5-gal container with some 'Black Dragon' coleus. I'll propagate both for outdoor containers this spring.

Evening Glenda -

Here's a source for the Sweet Potato vines.....seems like a good price to me, don't know the company, but if you are unable to find it locally this could be the answer. Mine won't be up for another month or so and they are all mixed up in the same pot. I'll try to keep track of this thread and if you can't find them in the meantime I'd consider digging a couple of tubers once they emerge so I can see which is which.

http://pages.americannurseryproducts.com/7658/InventoryPage/1587236/1.html

Check the Garden Watchdog on American Nursery Products before ordering!

IANovice--here's one I started a week ago....I started 3 more today for you.

langbr ~~~ Wow! That's great! Got your e-mail....let me know when to send postage and hw much ok? Thanks much for all of your trouble!