
Taste of the Season Sweet Potato Orange Candy

Sweet Potato Orange Candy is a stunning plant that serves both ornamental and culinary purposes. Its striking deep purple leaves add visual interest, while it produces sweet potatoes featuring light orange skin and vibrant orange flesh. In terms of culinary uses, it not only enhances your garden’s aesthetics but also brings culinary benefits. Both the plant and its heart-shaped leaves are edible, providing a fresh, spinach-like flavour that works wonderfully in salads, Asian cuisine, and Caribbean dishes.
For care and maintenance, Sweet Potato Orange Candy is low-maintenance, requiring regular watering and well-drained soil. This robust vining plant thrives in sunny areas but can tolerate some shade. Grows well in mixed containers, window boxes, or traditional gardens. It is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Harvest the tubers in late summer to early fall when they have reached full maturity. After harvesting, the skins can be cured by laying them in the sun for a few hours and then moving them to a warm, humid place for 10 days before storing in cooler, dry conditions.
| Maturity | Midsummer to early fall |
|---|---|
| Height | 48 inches (120 cm) |
| Spacing | 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm) |
| Light | Full sun |
| pH Range | 5.3–5.6 |
| Watering | Water regularly - even moisture; not overly wet. Thrives in well-drained soil. |
| Fertilizing | Feed at time of planting with all purpose fertilizer; avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. |
| Nutrients Required | Nitrogen=low; Phosphorus=high; Potassium=high |
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