Ginseng Red

Family: Convolvulaceae Root Vegetable

Sunlit and velvety, Ginseng Red sweet potatoes glow with a warm golden-yellow interior that feels luxuriously smooth when cooked, with a subtly sweet, honeyed flavor and a fine, creamy texture.

The roots develop a distinctive red-tinged skin over time, creating a striking contrast that’s as beautiful on the counter as it is satisfying on the plate. Grow Ginseng Red for dependable, 90-day harvests and for versatile use in roasts, mash, and rich sauces—an everyday favorite with a premium, garden-fresh finish.

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	Trellis
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

Ginseng Red’s smooth, creamy flesh turns luscious without needing heavy thickeners, so it shines in purées and spoonable sauces. The honeyed sweetness can go glossy if you over-sugar—lean on lime, ginger, and pepper to keep it bright and grown-up.

Best Uses

hot oven roasting until caramelized at the edges (then split and spoon)
buttery mash with a smooth, lump-free finish
thick, velvety soups and purées that hold their body
glossy sheet-pan wedges with browned sugar–salt balance

Flavor Profile

honeyed sweetness silky, creamy interior subtle earthy depth tender, roast-friendly texture

Kitchen Pairings

lime cinnamon brown butter ginger black pepper smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Watch for sweet potato weevil damage—irregular holes in roots and tunnels near the crown. Prevent it by using clean planting slips, avoiding planting where sweet potatoes were grown recently, and removing/disposing of any infested roots; cover beds with row cover after planting to reduce adult egg-laying. If you see stem blight-like collapse or root rot during warm, wet weather, improve drainage and remove infected vines promptly to limit spread.

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

During active vine growth, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for heat and container size. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings, since soggy soil encourages root rots. Stop reducing watering as plants near maturity to help roots firm up.

How can I tell when Ipomoea batatas is ready to harvest (around 90 days)?

Harvest when vines are yellowing and a portion of the foliage starts to decline, typically around 90 days after planting. Confirm readiness by gently digging at the edge of the bed and checking that roots are well-formed with firm skins that don’t easily scrape off. For best curing, harvest on dry days before frosts, then cure roots in warm, humid conditions.