Purple Sweet Potato PLANT – Untreated & Heirloom – Molokai Purple – Ipomoea batatas
The Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) is an easy-to-grow and delicious perennial vegetable packed with health benefits. According to a 2022 study by Emily P. Laveriano-Santos et al., “Sweet potato is considered an excellent source of dietary carotenoids and polysaccharides, whose health benefits include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activity, cardiovascular protection, anticancer properties, and improvement in neurological and memory capacity, metabolic disorders, and intestinal barrier function.”
Furthermore, the purple sweet potato’s high anthocyanin content makes it a unique choice for consumers and a potential source of functional ingredients for healthy food products. The leaves are also edible and are excellent stir-fried or used as a spinach substitute—simply braise them for a few minutes with a little butter and garlic. Delicious!
Please note: This plant is in high demand. Dispatch may sometimes be delayed by up to two weeks.
Do you need more space to grow food? Check our fantastic large grow bags here.
Planting and Growing Tips:
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After receiving your plant, give it a good watering and place it in a half-shade position, sheltered from the wind.
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Leave it in its original pot for a few days to recover from shipping.
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Re-pot or plant it into the ground when you see roots beginning to grow through the drainage holes.
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Water thoroughly immediately after planting. Water as needed thereafter.
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This plant dislikes soggy soil, so a well-drained position is essential. Slightly raised garden beds are ideal.
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It grows best in full sun to partial shade and adapts to many soil types, though better soil will improve growth and yield.
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Regular fertilizing during the growing season will increase your harvest. We use homemade compost tea or GROW liquid fertilizer.
Additional Notes:
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The price is for one young plant in a small pot. It is grown naturally with lots of love in our permaculture food forest in Pacific Haven, QLD, Australia.
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Shipping within Australia only. We cannot ship to SA, Norfolk Island, Tasmania (TAS), or Western Australia (WA).
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Local pick-up is available by appointment only.
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We are a small nursery. While we usually have well-established plants available, a waiting period may apply if demand exceeds supply.
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Our plants are acclimated to half-shade. Introduce them to full sun gradually before transplanting to their permanent position to ensure healthy growth.
Eating Tips:
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This vegetable must be cooked (e.g., boiled, baked, or grilled) before consumption. It is great for roasting, mashing, and grilling.
Disclaimer:
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Always do your research before trying new foods. Please also note the disclaimer in the footer of this page.
References: Laveriano-Santos, E. P., López-Yerena, A., Jaime-Rodríguez, C., González-Coria, J., Lamuela-Raventós, R. M., Vallverdú-Queralt, A., Romanyà, J., & Pérez, M. (2022). Sweet Potato Is Not Simply an Abundant Food Crop: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and the Effects of Processing. Antioxidants, 11(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11091648
