Growing Sweet Potato, also Kumara

Ipomoea batatas : Convolvulaceae / the morning glory family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions

  • Plant shoots or cuttings (Slips). Best planted at soil temperatures between 63°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in Separate bed

Your comments and tips

07 Apr 15, Susan Johnson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am desperately trying to source N Z Kumera in Australia, Peter. Yes, agree - NZ kumera are nothing like the yellow or white sweet potatoes we grow in Australia. My research suggests that the NZ variety may be called 'Candy Kumera', and may have origins in the Pacific Islands. Do you know if this is correct? I assume it wouldn't be possible to import live plants to Australia these days, but am wondering if New Zealanders may have brought it here in the past, in which case there could be slmeone out there growing it.
07 Jun 15, Nins Ricci (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Send me your addess by email. I have heaps of the real NZ Kumera, purple with white flesh and spots inside. Will nail you some runners. Also in Qld. Mine growing crazy but have not yet had a harvest.
30 Apr 24, Ali (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Nins, hope all is well! Do u still have Kumara runners?
26 Jun 22, Tracy M (Australia - arid climate)
Hello, would I be able to pay for some runners also? I assume they can grow in Melbourne's climate? Many thanks!!
30 Sep 21, Matthew Steele (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, I have been looking everywhere for these delightful New Zealand Kumura for years. May I also ask if you would mail me some runners? Happy to pay! Many Thanks.
04 Sep 20, Rick (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Nins, another kiwi missing his beloved kumara. I imagine you've been inundated with similar requests for runners. Happy to pay something and/or donate to Gardenate if you have plants and the time. thanks Rick
07 Nov 21, Ian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I've just stumbled across this thread to NZ kumera, by any chance did you manage to source any runners. Thanks
03 Jul 17, Jenny (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Nins If you have any more of the nz kumara i would be most appreciative if you could share a runner or cutting. Jenny
27 May 16, Meia (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Nins, hoping you are still perusing these pages.. i am really hoping you still have, and are willing to post on some tubers. Thanks ;)
04 Sep 15, Hamish (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Nins, I am also very interested in real NZ Kumara if you had some spare Thanks Hamish
Showing 221 - 230 of 307 comments

Try this page: https://www.koanga.org.nz/grow-great-kumara/. They have the most thorough advice on growing kumara that I've seen.

- Ana

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