If you’ve ever tried growing sweet potatoes, you know that picking the right variety can make all the difference in the size and quality of your harvest. Whether you’re a newbie in the garden or a seasoned pro, choosing the right sweet potato variety is essential for ensuring success. But how do you know which one will thrive in your specific climate and soil?
In this guide, we’ll dive into 11 of the best sweet potato varieties you can grow, from the tried-and-true favorites to some lesser-known gems that might just surprise you. By the end of this post, you’ll not only know which sweet potatoes are best suited for your garden, but you’ll also get helpful tips on when to plant and where each variety grows best. So, let’s get started and discover which sweet potato is the perfect fit for your garden!
1. Beauregard
Beauregard sweet potatoes are hands-down one of the most popular and reliable varieties out there. Their large, uniform tubers and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions make them a favorite among home gardeners, especially in places like California, Texas, and Florida, where warm temperatures prevail. If you’re in one of these sunny spots, Beauregard could be the perfect choice for you!
Why Choose Beauregard?
This variety matures in about 100 to 120 days and is known for its high yields and ease of growth. It’s resistant to common pests like the sweet potato weevil and has solid disease resistance, including to Fusarium wilt and Streptomyces soil rot. Beauregard does best when planted in late spring or early summer, after the threat of frost has passed. It grows well in sandy, well-drained soils but will adapt to many soil types with a little extra care. If you’re in a region with a longer growing season, Beauregard will give you a reliable harvest year after year.
You may like: Beauregard Sweet Potato: The Ultimate Guide to Growing, Caring and Harvesting
2. Jewel
Jewel sweet potatoes are a versatile, mid-season variety perfect for gardeners in states with moderate climates like North Carolina, Georgia, or Tennessee. With their creamy texture and balanced sweetness, Jewel sweet potatoes are fantastic for both savory and sweet recipes, from casseroles to pies.
You can purchase a Set of 15 Assorted Sweet Potato Slips, such as Beauregard, Jewel, and Garnet, aka “slips,” from Garden Plant Nursery.
Sweet Potato Slips Variety Pack – 15 Assorted Starts for Planting
Why Choose Jewel?
Jewel matures in around 110 to 120 days and is known for its consistent yields and long storage life. If you’re in a region with cooler winters or want to have fresh sweet potatoes all year round, Jewel’s superior storage capabilities make it an excellent choice. It’s resistant to root rot and other common diseases, thriving in fertile, well-drained soils. Best planted in mid-to-late spring, Jewel can handle a variety of growing conditions but does best in areas with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
3. Covington
For gardeners in Texas, Louisiana, or Alabama, Covington sweet potatoes are a great pick. This variety has gained popularity thanks to its smooth texture, rich flavor, and high yields. Covington performs especially well in areas with a longer growing season and plenty of warmth.
Why Choose Covington?
Covington matures in about 90 to 100 days, which makes it a great option for gardeners eager to get their sweet potato harvest sooner. Known for its resistance to diseases like Fusarium wilt and root-knot nematodes, it’s a disease-resistant variety that ensures a healthy crop. It grows well in well-drained, fertile soils and is best planted in late spring once all risk of frost has passed. If you’re in a warmer region, Covington’s early maturation and reliability make it a perfect choice for your garden.
4. Garnet
Garnet sweet potatoes are loved for their creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor, making them a perfect addition to any sweet potato pie or holiday dish. If you’re gardening in California, Texas, or Arizona, this variety will thrive in the warm, sunny climate.
Why Choose Garnet?
Garnet sweet potatoes mature in 110 to 120 days and grow best in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They’re a great choice for areas that experience long, hot summers. This variety is resistant to pests and diseases like Fusarium wilt and root rot, which helps ensure a healthy crop. Plant Garnet in late spring when the soil is warm and after all danger of frost has passed. The rich, sweet flavor makes it a top choice for those looking to make both savory and sweet dishes with their harvest.
5. Purple Sweet Potato
Looking to add some color to your garden? The Purple Sweet Potato is an excellent option, especially for gardeners in California or Hawaii who want to grow something a little more exotic. With its vibrant purple skin and flesh, this variety is perfect for making colorful side dishes or baking into a unique dessert.
Why Choose Purple Sweet Potato?
This variety matures in about 120 to 150 days and thrives in hot, dry climates with full sun exposure. Purple Sweet Potatoes are packed with antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice. However, they are more susceptible to cold temperatures, so they should be planted in late spring when the soil has warmed up. They require well-drained, sandy loam soils and should be watered consistently throughout the growing season. If you want something different in your garden that’s also healthy, the Purple Sweet Potato is a great pick.
6. Japanese Sweet Potato
Japanese Sweet Potatoes are perfect for gardeners in Oregon, Washington, or the Northeast, where summers are mild but sunny. Known for their smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweetness, Japanese Sweet Potatoes are a wonderful addition to any garden.
Why Choose Japanese Sweet Potato?
This variety matures in about 120 days and does best in cooler regions with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Japanese Sweet Potatoes are resistant to pests and diseases like Fusarium wilt, but they are a bit more sensitive to waterlogging, so they need good drainage. These potatoes are ideal for roasting, making tempura, or even grilling. For best results, plant in early spring once the soil has warmed up and there is no risk of frost.
7. Okinawa Purple Sweet Potato
For gardeners who want something truly unique, the Okinawa Purple Sweet Potato is a fantastic choice. Originating from Okinawa, Japan, this variety is known for its vibrant purple skin and deep purple flesh. Not only does it add a stunning pop of color to your garden, but it also has a rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for both savory and sweet dishes. If you’re in California, Hawaii, or other areas with a warm, sunny climate, this variety will thrive and provide a colorful addition to your harvest.
Why Choose Okinawa Purple Sweet Potato?
Okinawa Purple Sweet Potatoes are known for their high antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their deep purple hue. This makes them not only delicious but also a healthy choice for your diet. They mature in about 120 to 150 days, making them ideal for gardeners in warmer climates with a longer growing season. Okinawa Purple Sweet Potatoes are well-suited to well-drained, sandy loam soils and prefer a sunny location.
Plant in late spring, once the soil has warmed, and you’ll enjoy a visually striking harvest in late summer or fall. These sweet potatoes have a slightly nutty, earthy flavor and a dense, creamy texture that works beautifully in both roasted and baked dishes, or even in Japanese-inspired sweet potato tempura. For gardeners looking for a unique and nutrient-packed variety, the Okinawa Purple Sweet Potato is a must-try!
8. Georgia Jet
Georgia Jet is one of the fastest-growing sweet potato varieties, making it perfect for gardeners in Georgia, South Carolina, or Florida where the growing season can be long but you’re looking for an early harvest. Known for its rapid maturation and high yields, Georgia Jet sweet potatoes are a gardener’s dream.
Why Choose Georgia Jet?
This variety matures in just 90 days, making it one of the quickest to reach harvest. Georgia Jet grows best in warm, sunny areas with well-drained, fertile soils. It is resistant to common diseases like Fusarium wilt but can be susceptible to root-knot nematodes. To get the most out of Georgia Jet, plant it in late spring when temperatures are consistently warm. With its sweet flavor and early harvest, this variety is perfect for gardeners who want a quick, bountiful crop.
9. Vardaman
Vardaman sweet potatoes are compact and produce smaller, uniform tubers. These are a great choice for gardeners in Colorado, Idaho, or Minnesota, where space might be limited but the growing season is still favorable for sweet potatoes.
Why Choose Vardaman?
Vardaman sweet potatoes mature in about 90 days, which makes them ideal for regions with shorter growing seasons. They’re disease-resistant and grow well in a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. This variety is great for small gardens, raised beds, or containers. Plant in late spring once the soil is warm, and you’ll be enjoying fresh sweet potatoes in just a few months.
10. Bunch Porto Rico
Bunch Porto Rico is one of the excellent types of sweet potatoes for gardeners with limited space or those who want to grow sweet potatoes in containers. This variety grows compactly but still delivers great flavor and reliable yields, making it perfect for smaller gardens or urban spaces.
Why Choose Bunch Porto Rico?
Bunch Porto Rico matures in about 100 to 110 days and is resistant to common diseases like Fusarium wilt. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soils and grows best in warm, sunny climates such as those in California or Texas. Due to its smaller plant size, it’s ideal for raised beds or container gardening. For optimal results, plant in late spring and ensure consistent watering through the growing season.
11. White Sweet Potato
White Sweet Potatoes are a less common but equally delicious variety that can be a great addition to your garden, especially for gardeners in cooler regions like New England or Pacific Northwest. These potatoes are starchy and slightly less sweet than their orange counterparts, making them perfect for savory dishes.
Why Choose White Sweet Potato?
This variety matures in about 120 days and grows well in slightly cooler climates. It’s resistant to root rot and some types of Fusarium wilt but thrives best in well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Plant in mid-to-late spring once the soil has warmed up. White Sweet Potatoes are excellent for grilling, baking, or adding to casseroles and soups. For gardeners who want to experiment with something new and enjoy savory dishes, the White Sweet Potato is a great option.
Conclusion
There’s a sweet potato variety for every garden and every taste preference. No matter where you live, there’s a perfect sweet potato variety for your garden. From the quick-maturing Georgia Jet in Texas to the reliable Beauregard in Florida or California, these sweet potatoes are adaptable and packed with flavor. Consider your climate, available growing space, and the time of year you plan to plant, and you’ll be able to select the best sweet potato variety for your garden. Happy planting, and enjoy a bountiful, delicious harvest!
