How to Grow a Decorative Purple Potato Vine

Decorative ornamental varieties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) are grown for the color or variegated patterns of their foliage rather than taste. Vigorous vines with a cascading rather than climbing habit, ornamental sweet potatoes are well suited for hanging baskets, planters and large containers. They are also very attractive in sunny beds and make a fast-growing, easy-care ground cover. Interplant them with flowers of contrasting colors for striking effect. Commonly available varieties include Marguerite, with chartreuse, heart-shaped leaves, and Tricolor or Pink Frost, featuring variegated green, white and pink pointy leaves. Blackie has deep purple leaves that in some settings seem black.

Large container, planter or hanging basket (optional)
Quality potting soil (optional)
Compost or shredded leaves
Garden gloves
Spade or garden shovel
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the soil in spring when soil is thoroughly warm, daytime temperatures are at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures are 55 to 60 F. Sweet potatoes are tropical plants and prefer heat.
- 2
  Spread 3 inches of shredded leaves or compost over the planting area and mix it thoroughly into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil.
- 3
  Prepare a planting hole for each plant that's twice as wide as the transplant container and the same depth. Space plants at least two feet apart because they will spread rapidly.
- 4
  Carefully slide the plant out of its pot and place it in the planting hole. Firm soil around the plant's root area.
- 5
  Water the root area thoroughly, saturating it with water. Once plants are established, keep soil evenly moist -- but not soggy -- for steady, vigorous growth.
- 6
  Mulch soil with 2 inches of shredded leaves or dried lawn clippings to help conserve soil moisture, deter weeds and insulate soil.
- 7
  Fertilize monthly until August with a balanced liquid fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
- 8
  Allow ornamental sweet potatoes to go dormant in fall by gradually withholding water. Dig up sweet potatoes and store them in a cool, dry place until it's time to replant them the following spring.

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