Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Upside Key Lime'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Vine
Height
12 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Tender Perennial (grown as an annual)
Native To
Central and South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a fast-growing, trailing vine with lush, heart-shaped foliage and vibrant, tubular flowers that vary in color from purple to white, depending on the cultivar. The 'Sweet Caroline Upside Key Lime' cultivar is distinguished by its bright chartreuse-green, deeply lobed foliage. It has a compact, mounding and trailing habit, making it an excellent 'spiller' in containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-drained soil in spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide full sun for optimal growth.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest tubers in late fall after foliage dies back.
- Store in a cool, dark place for winter use.
Pro Tip
Use warm soil and full sun for best tuber development.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during the growing season 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater to prevent rot ❌
- Allow soil to dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, clay soils without amendments
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sweet Potato Vine questions
What zones can Sweet Potato Vine grow in?
Sweet Potato Vine is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sweet Potato Vine deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Sweet Potato Vine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Sweet Potato Vine bloom?
Sweet Potato Vine typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sweet Potato Vine need full sun?
Sweet Potato Vine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Sweet Potato Vine drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sweet Potato Vine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Ipomoea to compare
Sweet Potato
Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Georgia Bronze'
Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Chartreuse'
Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee'
Margarita Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita'
Sweet Caroline Raven Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Raven'
Moonflower
Ipomoea alba
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Sweet Potato Vine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
