Southern Delite

Family: Convolvulaceae Root Vegetable

Warm, honeyed orange flesh with a velvety, spoon-tender bite is the signature of Southern Delite.

With its smooth, uniform roots and rich color that holds beautifully, this variety delivers a comforting sweetness that shines in roasted halves, mashed mounds, and hearty purées—ideal for autumn tables and make-ahead sides. Grow Southern Delite for dependable, market-ready tubers at about 95 days, with a harvest that feels like a golden promise from your own garden.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 95 DaysHabit: Vine

Botanical illustration of Southern Delite

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 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	70
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Southern Delite’s smooth, uniform orange flesh turns silky when heated—great for people who hate stringy sweet potatoes. Roast it hard for caramel edges, then mash or purée it into something that stays creamy on reheat and plays beautifully with warm spice and nutty fat.

Best Uses

roasted halves with edges caramelized and centers soft
buttery mash for make-ahead mounds that reheat without drying
thick purée for soups and bowls (blends silky, not starchy-gloopy)
pies/hand pies filling where the sweetness can stand up to spice

Flavor Profile

warm honeyed sweetness velvety, spoon-tender flesh smooth, uniform texture (minimal grain) gentle earthy finish with a bright orange richness

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter cinnamon pecans vanilla smoked paprika black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sweet potatoes are prone to sweet potato weevil (larvae feeding in roots) and, in wet conditions, root rots from fungal pathogens. Check slips and beds for signs of weevil activity; remove and destroy infested plants and avoid replanting in the same soil. For rot, keep soil evenly but not soggy, improve drainage, and avoid injuring roots during harvest and curing.

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

After slips are established, water to keep the top 2–3 in (5–8 cm) of soil lightly moist, not waterlogged, especially as vines expand. In warm weather this usually means about 1 in (2.5 cm) per week total (from rainfall plus irrigation), increasing during dry spells and reducing if the soil stays wet. Stop heavy watering about 2–3 weeks before harvest so roots cure better and are less likely to rot.

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

Harvest at about 90–100 days after planting/setting slips, when foliage starts to yellow and the vines begin to decline. For the best evidence, gently dig at the edge of the row and check that roots are well-filled and sized for your preference. Before curing, avoid harvesting after a hard frost and cure promptly in warm, humid conditions to heal any skin damage.