Vardaman

Family: Convolvulaceae Root Vegetable

Sunlit and mellow, Vardaman Yellow Sweet Potato develops a warm golden flesh that feels silky and tender when cooked—its flavor is gently sweet with a buttery, honeyed depth.

The roots form with an inviting, smooth skin and a classic elongated shape, delivering a creamy texture that shines in mashes and roasted wedges, and also holds beautifully for pies, soups, and savory-sweet casseroles. Grow Vardaman for a harvest that looks like late-afternoon light and tastes like comfort—straight from your garden to your table.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Clumping

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	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	70
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Vardaman’s yellow flesh cooks up silky and creamy fast, with a honeyed sweetness that tastes more like baked custard than candy. Roast it or mash it and it stays plush rather than stringy, so it carries butter, spice, and syrup without turning cloying.

Best Uses

creamy mashes with butter and a little salt for a spoonable texture
roasted wedges that caramelize at the edges without drying out
sweet-savory pies and custards where the flesh bakes into a smooth filling
thick pureed soups that hold body and velvety mouthfeel

Flavor Profile

gently sweet, honeyed flavor buttery, mellow aromatics silky-tender, creamy interior soft caramel notes when roasted

Kitchen Pairings

butter maple syrup cinnamon brown sugar sea salt ginger

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are often hit by root rot from consistently wet soil, commonly showing up as dark, mushy areas on the storage roots. Ensure beds drain well and avoid overwatering—let the surface dry slightly between waterings once vines are established. If you see plants wilting with rotted roots, remove affected plants to limit spread and don’t replant sweet potatoes in the same spot for a few years.

How often should I water Vardaman during the main growing phase?

During the main vine growth phase, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week, split into 1–2 waterings depending on rainfall and heat. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry before watering again to prevent rot. Water more consistently after slips establish, then reduce slightly during the final weeks so roots don’t stay overly wet.

How do I know when Vardaman sweet potatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 90 days after planting slips (Vardaman’s typical maturity), when lower leaves begin to yellow and vines look less vigorous. Dig carefully with a fork on a dry day and check that tuberous roots are well sized with firm skin. If temperatures are expected to drop below about 50°F (10°C), harvest promptly to avoid cold damage.