Ipomoea batatas Sweet potatoes

Planting position: Full sun. For areas with warm climates only Spacing of 70cm between rows and 30cm between plants.
Requires regular watering (less during germination period) by means of soaking, rather that sprinkling. Well-draining, compost-enriched loamy soil and generous layers of mulching. Added 2:3:2 to preparing beds, at a rate of 250g.m ². Lift the vines occasionally to prevent rooting.
Propagate from shoots, cuttings or tubers.
Harvesting is done 3 - 5 months after planting, with the yellowing of the leaves. Mature tubers, when cut dries quickly and cleanly, but when immature a milky substance is exuded which turns green. Leave harvested crop in heaps for 7days to cure, and cover with hessian at night.
Pests, diseases and their cures: Relatively pest- and disease free.

Sweet potatoes are not related to ordinary potatoes, but are a member of the Convolvulaceae family. These perennial vegetables have trailing vines with shading foliage. The edible tubers vary in colour from off-white, tan-brown, pink or purple. The yellow or white flesh is eaten when boiled or mashed, on its own or with other dishes.