How it thrives
Watermedium
Lightfull sun
Humiditylow
Min. temperature10 °CJanuary
Nothing to do now – plan spring sowing and order seeds.
February
Nothing to do now – plan spring sowing and order seeds.
March
Sow indoors on a bright windowsill; plant out after the last frosts (mid-May).
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
First weak dose at the end of the month if it is actively growing.
The sunniest window (south or west).
April
Sow indoors on a bright windowsill; plant out after the last frosts (mid-May).
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
The sunniest window (south or west).
May
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
After mid-May (last frosts) it can go outside – keep it in partial shade for the first 1–2 weeks to avoid sunburn.
June
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
It flowers next month – once you see buds, don’t move it any more.
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
July
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
August
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
September
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
Bring it in when nights drop below 15 °C. Check for pests first.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
October
It ends with the first frosts – collect seeds for next year.
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
No feeding now.
The sunniest window (south or west).
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
November · now
Nothing to do now – plan spring sowing and order seeds.
December
Nothing to do now – plan spring sowing and order seeds.
Soak the hard-coated seeds overnight in lukewarm water before sowing.
Sweet potato – what to know
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family (genus Ipomoea) and is listed in our catalog under “Garden flower”. Its needs – light: full sun; water: medium; humidity: low. Keep it above 10 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter. Rest period: annual. Typical flowering time: July, August, September, October. Easy enough for beginners. It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs. Nobody on Perfect Plants Club has added it to their collection yet – be the first!
All Ipomoea species in the catalog →Detailed toxicity data →
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Sweet potato?
Moderately: water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, and never let it sit in standing water.
How much light does Sweet potato need?
It needs plenty of direct sun – the sunniest window, or outdoors in summer, suits it best.
How cold can Sweet potato get?
Keep it above 10 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter.
Is Sweet potato toxic to cats and dogs?
It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
When does Sweet potato flower?
Typical flowering time: July, August, September, October.
What members’ data shows
When does it really bloom?
No blooms logged yet. If yours flowers, your data will be the first!
Average watering interval
Not enough watering logs yet. Waterings logged in the care hub feed this chart.
Tips and questions about this species
Ipomoea
Care data is for guidance only.
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