Cordner

Family: Convolvulaceae Root Vegetable

Warm, sunset-orange flesh fills the tuber with a velvety sweetness and a tender, creamy bite when cooked—Cordner is the orange sweet potato gardeners reach for when they want color as well as flavor.

The roots develop with a smooth, attractive skin and a satisfying, spoonable texture that shines in roasted wedges, mashed mounds, and silky purées, plus hearty casseroles and comforting pies. Grow Cordner for a harvest that feels like autumn in the garden and on the plate.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Vine

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Cordner’s orange flesh cooks up tender and creamy, not grainy—so it behaves beautifully for mashes and purées that actually hold a spoonable shape. The sweetness invites brown butter and spice, but a jolt of citrus keeps it from tipping too dessert-like.

Best Uses

roasted wedges with crisp edges and creamy centers
buttery mash or smashed sheet-pan potatoes
silky purée for soups or base sauces
hearty casseroles and sweet-savory pies

Flavor Profile

velvety sweetness creamy, spoonable texture when cooked gentle earthiness with a warm, caramel-like finish tender bite that breaks down without going stringy

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter cinnamon lime (or sour citrus) maple syrup or dark molasses pecans or toasted hazelnuts marinated pork or smoked chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), and what should I do?

A common issue is sweet potato vine/foliage damage from sweet potato weevils and related borers, which cause holes in roots and wilting vines. Check weekly for adult weevils and small entry holes; remove and destroy infested roots and vines, and keep the bed weed-free to reduce adult habitat. If you see signs of spreading decline, rotate away from sweet potato relatives next season and avoid planting from any suspect slips/root stock.

How often should I water Ipomoea batatas during the main growing phase?

During active vine growth (roughly after slips are established until bulking begins), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for rainfall. Once roots start swelling, water more steadily and avoid letting the bed dry out completely, because drought stress can reduce root size and quality. If you’re growing in raised beds, ensure fast drainage; waterlogging can lead to root rots and poor bulking.

How do I know when Ipomoea batatas is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 90 days from planting (or when vines begin yellowing naturally near the end of the season). Before lifting, gently loosen the soil with a fork and check root size; mature roots should be well-formed with smooth, firm skin. Use the first cool night as a cue—sweet potatoes should be dug before frost to prevent damage to the flesh and skins.