Sweet potatoes aren’t just for sprawling garden beds — they thrive beautifully in containers too. With their lush vines and nutrient-rich tubers, they bring both beauty and harvest to small spaces.
If you’ve ever wanted homegrown sweet potatoes but only have a patio, balcony, or sunny corner, here’s how to grow sweet potatoes in containers from start to finish.
#1 Choose the Right Container
Sweet potatoes grow best in large, deep containers that allow tubers to expand. A 15–20 gallon pot or grow bag gives roots enough space while keeping soil aerated.
If you’re new to pot gardening, see our guide to the best vegetables for pots.
#2 Use Loose, Well-Draining Soil
Sweet potatoes require loose, sandy loam to form evenly shaped tubers. Compact or heavy soil leads to small, misshapen roots.
Mix potting soil with compost for nutrients and perlite for better drainage.
#3 Start with Healthy Slips
Sweet potato plants grow from slips, which are sprouts from mature tubers. Choose disease-free slips with strong roots and at least 4–6 inches of vine.
Avoid using grocery store tubers unless they’re organic and untreated.
#4 Provide Full Sun
Sweet potatoes produce best when they receive 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Place containers in the sunniest spot you have, whether it’s a balcony, patio, or rooftop.
#5 Water Consistently
Sweet potatoes need even moisture to avoid cracking and splitting.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid waterlogging, which can cause rot. Mulching helps retain soil moisture in hot weather.
#6 Feed for Strong Growth
Sweet potatoes benefit from low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage root development over leaf growth.
Apply a balanced fertilizer once slips are established, and repeat every 3–4 weeks.
#7 Allow Time to Mature
Sweet potatoes typically mature in 90–120 days depending on variety.
Wait until vines start to yellow before harvesting for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
Mini FAQ
Can sweet potatoes grow indoors?
Yes, but they require strong grow lights or a sunny window to produce well.
Do sweet potatoes need trellising?
No, but giving vines space to trail or climb keeps them tidy in small areas.
When should I plant sweet potatoes in containers?
Plant slips after the last frost when soil temperatures stay above 60°F (15°C).
Final Thoughts
With the right setup, sweet potatoes can be one of the most rewarding crops for small-space gardeners. Grab a big container, some healthy slips, and enjoy fresh, homegrown tubers right from your patio. Happy planting!
I'm George Brown, a passionate gardener and the founder of UrbanLeafy.com. I love helping beginners grow fresh herbs, plants and greenery, whether on a windowsill, in a garden or a tiny balcony. My practical, no-fluff tips have been featured in Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, and Best Life, and are rooted in years of real experience. If you're ready to turn your space into a thriving herb haven, you’re in the right place.
