New Zealand - sub-tropical zone

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
								P	P	P

(Best months for planting Sweet Potato/Kumara in New Zealand - sub-tropical regions)

• Harvest in 105-120 days
• Shoots or cuttings (Slips). Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
• Best planted at soil temperatures between 17°C and 35°C.
• Space plants: 40-60cm

Frost tender Sweet Potatoes require a long warm growing season. Plant in free draining loose soil . Fertilise before planting but no more when the plants are growing as it will encourage vine growth. They will go for miles and you’ll get no tubers. If they do start spreading, lift the vines off the ground to prevent them rooting.

Mound up the soil about 20cm (8 in) before planting Let the plants die down, (leaves die or turn yellow) before harvesting the tubers. Dry them in the sun for a few days . then store in a cool dry place for up to five months.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sweet Potato/Kumara

Use mashed, boiled, roasted, baked or fried. Or use in soups, pies, casseroles, curries and salads.

Your comments and tips

29 Aug 10 summer (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Don't you have to plant the eyes

11 Nov 10 DON (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

FIRST TIME GROWER BUT IT TOOK ME TO 5 DIFFERENT PLANT SHOPS BEFORE I FOUND SOME , KINGS TAKANINI, MAYBE A SELLING OPPORTUNITY IS OUT THERE

25 Mar 11 Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Where do you buy Kumara plants ?? Mike

11 Apr 11 John Albert Charles Knap (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I have planted peelings which I had in shallow Bonsai dishes covered with a mix of river sand and potting mix and left in a shady place for around 3 months, these shooted away and I have now put them into a large 1/2 barrel tub and have a large clear perspex type cover which I use according to weather conditions, plants so far are going well - 12.04.11- have now put some more peelings away for planting around Sept as recommended

18 Apr 11 paki hare (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I would like to no where kumara and pumkin are growen in nz like ohakune is knowen for its carrots can you give me any information on these vegetables this would be appreciated

30 Apr 11 Sara T (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Paki Hare - 90% of kumara are grown in upper Nth Island area - have a look at www.kauricoast.co.nz for more info.

10 May 11 Mon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Yes, plant kumara rows facing north.

15 Jun 11 Lindsay (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Can you please advise me the best way to obtain cuttings , for planting Kumara Thanks

26 Oct 11 Sue (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

We planted 80 plants last year and that was enough to see a family of six enjoy plently of Kumara for six months. Will be planting more this year. Would really like to grow the purple Kumara this year. We are in Dargaville. Does anyone know where I could get the purple Kumara plants?

15 Nov 11 Janet (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Can you not plant a whole kumara as seed like potatoes