Mamey

Family: Convolvulaceae Root Vegetable

Sun-warmed sweetness pours from Mamey’s golden-yellow roots, with a silky, tender bite that turns luxuriously creamy when cooked.

This Yellow Sweet Potato builds a smooth, uniform texture and a gently honeyed flavor profile that shines in roasts, mash, and rich purées, while also holding its own for soups and hearty bakes. Grow Mamey for a dependable 100-day harvest and a harvest basket that feels like tropical sunshine.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 100 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	Aug 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	100
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)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This Yellow Sweet Potato turns from tender to spoon-smooth, so it’s ideal when you want a creamy purée or soup body with controlled sweetness rather than raw starchy bite. Cook it hard enough to bronze the edges, then lean into citrus and warm spice—its honeyed flavor loves lime’s snap and cinnamon’s cozy heat.

Best Uses

hot-oven roasting with caramelized edges and a creamy center
smooth mash or purée for a uniform, spoon-coating consistency
thick soups where it thickens without turning grainy
rich baked goods—pies or dense cakes that like a silky crumb

Flavor Profile

gently honeyed sweetness silky, tender texture creamy when cooked lightly earthy, tropical warmth

Kitchen Pairings

lime coconut milk cinnamon nutmeg brown butter black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Ipomoea batatas (mamey) in home gardens, and how do I manage it?

Sweetpotato weevils can be a major problem, causing entry holes and internal damage that ruins roots. Inspect plants weekly for small “pinholes” on stems and roots, use clean planting slips, and rotate the bed away from sweetpotato family crops. If infestation is visible, remove heavily damaged plants and keep the soil surface mulched to reduce new egg laying.

How often should I water Ipomoea batatas during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

Water deeply to wet the root zone, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly before watering again—usually about once or twice per week depending on heat and soil. During bulking (mid-to-late season), consistent moisture is important, but avoid soggy soil because it can trigger root rots. A simple check: if the soil is dark and cool at 6–8 inches deep, hold watering; if it’s dry, irrigate thoroughly.

How can I tell when Ipomoea batatas (mamey) roots are ready to harvest?

Harvest after about 90–110 days, when the vines start to yellow and slow down growth. Dig carefully on a dry day and look for well-formed, firm roots with mature skin; the skin should hold together without easily scraping off. For best flavor, cure harvested roots in warm, humid conditions for about 5–7 days before eating or storing.