How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Containers

Short on garden space? You'll be happy to know sweet potatoes can be grown in flower pots.

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.

You may think that growing sweet potatoes requires a lot of space, but think again. With the use of containers and compact varieties, any gardener is able to grow sweet potatoes on their patio or balcony.

Here are the necessary steps to grow sweet potatoes (Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas) in containers:

sweet potato plant

Photo by: Chris Brown Photography ©Proven Winners

Chris Brown Photography, Proven Winners

1. Select the Right Variety

Select a variety of sweet potato that is ideal for growing in containers. Many gardeners reference ‘Portio Rico’ (also referred to as ‘Bush’ or ‘Vineless’) as an ideal variety for smaller gardens or containers. Sweet potatoes are known for their sprawling habit, but this cultivar has short and compact vines.

‘Vardaman’ — named after a famous sweet potato town in Mississippi — is another variety known for its bush habit and reined-in vines.

Sweet potato slips can be purchased from online garden sources, garden centers or hardware stores. Purchasing sweet potatoes from the grocery store and sprouting them may not work because they are often treated to reduce sprouts. Also, it is important to have a specific variety for this type of project and that isn’t always known with supermarket sweet potatoes.

2. Select the Right Container

It is important to select the right container. Containers created specifically for potatoes work wonderfully and are quite inexpensive compared to plastic or ceramic pots. Many online garden sources and garden centers sell Potato Grow Bags that come in a range of colors. These bags are designed specifically to provide aeration to the roots, adequate drainage and even side pockets to sneak a small spud here and there. When your sweet potatoes are ready to harvest, simply lift the bag and pour the contents into a wheelbarrow making the harvest extremely easy. The Grow Bags are easy to store in the winter because they are collapsible. Many gardeners have also had great success when using whiskey barrels, clay containers even black plastic garbage bags.

3. Pick the Right Location

Sweet potatoes are very picky about where you set them. They want to be warm at all times of the day and night, they prefer temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Picking a location that has full sun throughout the day is ideal after all threat of frost is gone. Thankfully in a container, you are able to control the water and drainage as sweet potatoes want to remain moist, but with good draining soil so that rot does not occur.

4. Use the Right Soil

Sweet potatoes love to remain moist, but not to sit in water. It is important to have a good soil mix when planting in your containers. Using a container mix amended with compost, sand and a fertilizer high in potash is ideal. Place about four inches of soil in your container, then place the sweet potato slips on top and then add about three more inches of soil to secure them.

Once planted, make sure to water. Water frequency depends upon the type of container selected. If using a Grow Bag, it is necessary to check the soil daily and water if it is dry. Since the bag is porous, it causes the soil mix to dry out quicker than a clay or wooden container. If fertilizer was not included in your original mixture, two weeks after planting, add fertilizer. As the stems grow upward, continue to add more soil mix until the level reaches the top of the container. Sweet potatoes are ready to harvest typically four to five months after planting.

What's the Difference Between a Yam and a Sweet Potato?

These two veggies are often called the same thing or misidentified; find out how to tell the difference between these two tasty tubers.

Next Up

Learn How to Grow Potatoes and When to Harvest Them

Follow our guide on how to grow potatoes and discover how easy and satisfying it is to raise a homegrown crop, plus learn about the many types and varieties available for your garden.

How to Grow Potatoes in Containers

Irish potatoes are easy to grow in containers on a sunny porch or patio.

How Grow Garlic

Get expert advice on when to plant garlic, how to grow your own crop of garlic year after year and picking the right time to harvest garlic.

How to Plan a Vegetable Garden

HGTV can make vegetable garden planning less intimidating with tips on garden design and suggestions on how to choose vegetables to grow.

Planting and Growing Radishes

Plan on growing radishes in spring and fall. Slice them into salads for a peppery punch, roast them to caramelize their flavors or eat them with salt, butter and a fresh baguette for a delicious snack.

Why Are My Tomato Leaves Turning Yellow?

Tomato leaf discoloration can be caused by a number of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, plant diseases and cultural problems. We’ll help you narrow down the cause of yellowing leaves on your tomato plants and find solutions to help.

How to Design a Container Garden

Follow this simple design concept and boost the impact of your container gardens with plants of various sizes, textures and color combinations.

What to Plant in August

It's not too late to plant, even in late summer. You can still grow short-season veggies, herbs and flowers in August from seeds or transplants.

How to Stop Tomato Blossom End Rot

Got an ugly black spot on the bottom of your tomatoes? Never fear. It's a common problem that's easier to fix than you might think. HGTV expert Gayla Trail, of YouGrowGirl.com, offers advice.

Growing Pumpkins in Containers

Raise a crop of pumpkins on a deck or patio—with no garden bed in sight. Learn how to grow pumpkins in pots no matter where you live.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.