Covington

Family: Convolvulaceae Root Vegetable

Velvety, honeyed orange flesh—deeply saturated and beautifully smooth—defines Covington Sweet Potato at maturity.

Its tender, creamy texture shines whether you’re savoring it straight from the garden or transforming it into rich, comforting dishes; the flavor balances gentle sweetness with a subtle, earthy warmth. Grow Covington for dependable performance and a harvest that feels as luxurious as its color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 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	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Oct 18th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Covington’s deeply saturated, smooth-textured flesh roasts into bronzed, sweet edges while staying creamy in the center—no stringy disappointment. It’s the kind of sweet potato that takes well to browning and spice, then settles into a velvety purée that holds body in soups and pies.

Best Uses

roasted wedges that caramelize at the edges
silky mash or purée that stays smooth without turning gluey
custardy pies/hand pies where the sweetness reads as baked-depth
thick soups and bisques that cling to a spoon

Flavor Profile

velvety, creamy orange flesh gentle honey-like sweetness subtle earthy warmth low-fiber melt

Kitchen Pairings

butter maple syrup brown sugar sage cinnamon smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) in home gardens, and how can I control it?

Watch for sweet potato weevil and root/plant rot, which show up as wilting vines, soft or damaged storage roots, and tunneling near the root crown. Dig up and destroy any severely rotted roots, and keep the growing area free of plant debris; rotate away from Ipomoea/Convolvulaceae crops for at least 2–3 years. If you see active weevil damage, remove affected roots promptly and avoid replanting slips from infested stock.

How often should I water Ipomoea batatas during the main growing phase to form good storage roots?

During the main bulking period (roughly mid-season through about 90–110 days), water deeply to moisten the root zone, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry before the next watering. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week as a starting point, adjusting for heat and rainfall, because consistently soggy beds can trigger rot and reduce root quality. Stop heavy watering about 1–2 weeks before harvest to help skins set and reduce splitting.

How can I tell when Ipomoea batatas is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 120 days after slips were planted, when vines start to yellow and the tuberous roots have filled out. Carefully dig one or two roots first—mature sweet potatoes should be firm with skins that don’t rub off easily when gently wiped. Use the first light frost as a boundary: if frost is forecast, harvest immediately to prevent cold-damage.