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Sweet Potato

Beauregard

Convolvulaceae

Spacing1 per sq ft
Days to Harvest120d
Expected Yield2-4 lbs

Sweet Potato

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Variety History

Beauregard, developed at Louisiana State University in 1987, has become the dominant sweet potato in the US — disease-resistant, high-yielding, and relatively early. It produces reddish-copper skin with deep orange flesh.

Regional Context

Sweet potatoes in the PNW are a stretch but possible. Beauregard is the most reliable short-season variety (90-110 days). Grow in the hottest microclimate on black plastic. Bainbridge falls are mild enough for a full season. Expect smaller but delicious roots.

Growing Technique

Start from slips (rooted cuttings), not seed. Order slips or start your own in March (suspend a sweet potato in water, harvest slips when 6-8" long). Plant slips in warm soil (65°F+) in late May to early June, 12-18" apart. Sweet potatoes need loose, sandy soil — heavy Bainbridge clay must be amended with compost and sand. Mound soil into ridges 8-10" high. Black plastic mulch is essential for warmth. Water consistently through summer. Harvest before first frost (October), digging carefully to avoid damaging skins. Cure at 80-85°F and high humidity for 10 days to develop sweetness.

Watch For

  • Cold soil produces stringy, worthless roots — must have black plastic and warm microclimate. Heavy clay soil causes deformed roots — amend aggressively with compost and sand. Harvest damage leads to rot — handle like eggs. Skins must be cured for storage — un-cured sweet potatoes lack sweetness and rot quickly. Mice and voles will tunnel in and eat roots — harvest as soon as leaves yellow.

Recipes