How Fast Do Sweet Potato Vines Grow?

The tubers of a sweet potato vine.

A tuberous perennial, the sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) is grown as an annual in areas that suffer a winter temperatures of less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The stems of the vine grow up to 10 feet in one season. Tubular shaped flowers appear on the vine in shades of white or pink.

Pruning Growth

Trim the aggressive potato vine to control its rapid growth or to make it branch outward. The stems of the vine begin new growth immediately after pruning by sending out new shoots that branch outward from the end of the pruned stem. Cut the stems as often as needed, according Floridata.

Considerations

Consider trimming the potato vine back to overwinter the plant in a warm location where it will continue to grow. Dig up and plant the tubers in simple planting pots. Place the vine in a protected, sunny location where the temperature does not drop to less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit for the winter.

Propagation Potential

Propagate the sweet potato vine by cutting away a tuber from the plant's root system. Place toothpicks into the tuber to suspend it over water. Allow half of the tuber to hang into the water. The tuber will root within two weeks. Top growth will appear in three to four weeks.

References

• Floridata: Ipomoea spp
• University of Oklahoma: Ipomoea batatas
• National Tropical Botanical Garden: Ipomoea batatas
• Purdue University: Ipomoea batatas

Resources

• Plant Care: Sweet Potato Vine