Illusion Garnet Lace

Family: Convolvulaceae Root Vegetable

Velvety, garnet-red foliage steals the eye with a lacework pattern that looks almost embroidered in the light—an ornamental sweet potato grown for its show-stopping color.

Vines sprawl with a graceful, airy habit, producing a rich tapestry of deep wine tones and delicate leaf edges that hold their allure through the season. Ideal for cascading containers and garden borders, Illusion Garnet Lace delivers enduring visual impact and a living, textured backdrop for beds and patios.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Vine

Botanical illustration of Illusion Garnet Lace

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)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sweet potatoes are commonly hit by sweet potato weevils (and other weevil/root borers) which cause tunnels that lead to rotting in storage. Use clean, certified slips and inspect plants regularly; if you see larvae/tunneling, remove and discard affected roots and avoid replanting sweet potatoes in the same bed. Keep soil loose and well-drained and don’t damage roots at harvest to reduce secondary rot.

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

During active vine growth and tuber bulking, keep the bed evenly moist but never soggy—aim for lightly moist soil in the top few inches. In hot weather this often means about 1 inch of water per week total (from rainfall plus irrigation), increasing to more frequent deep watering if the soil dries quickly. Stop heavy watering about 10–14 days before harvest to help skins mature and reduce storage rot.

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

Harvest at about 90 days from planting slips (or when vines are largely declining and the foliage begins to yellow). Wait until after warm weather; sweet potatoes should be dug before cool, frost-risk nights, because cold can damage roots. When you dig, the tubers should be well-formed and sized for your variety, with firm skin that doesn’t scrape off easily.

Illusion Garnet Lace

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Frequently Asked Questions