A highly versatile and delicious vegetable, Kūmara. New Zealand's sweet potato is a sweet-tasting root vegetable. The ‘tubers’, (bulbous parts of the roots) are what we usually eat. A vine that is grown in the ground, with a bit of care at the start, it is relatively easy to grow even for beginner gardeners.
Planting Calendar
Kūmara shoots (slips) have roots that are ready to be planted into the ground. They are available in store late September and are sold in a bunch, sitting in a bucket of water to keep them hydrated. Come prepared with your own cup or small bucket of water to pop the slips into while transporting home.
Harvest In
100-120 days
Kūmara take 100–120 days to be ready for harvest. Harvest before the first frosts, usually April- May depending on the weather, and before the tops die down. Cut off the tops and carefully lift the Kūmara with a fork. Leave the Kūmara tubers in the sun to cure for a couple of days, covering them at night with newspaper. Store Kūmara in a cool spot on a hard surface, with good airflow.
Prepare
Position
Kūmara are frost tender and are best grown in warm climates in the North Island where summers are hot. Grow in an open position in full sun either in the ground or in a container.
Soil
When planted into the ground Kūmara likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets, with the addition of Kings Potato food, then mix together well. When grown in containers plant into Living Earth Organic Vegetable mix.
Plant
Plant the slips into soft, loose soil that is approximately 30cm deep, with a harder soil base underneath. Plant slips 30-45 cm apart on a raised row lying down on their sides, cover the roots and stem until all that is showing is a couple of leaves. Water in well after planting with Aquaticus Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Water deeply 3-4 times a week until well established.
Feeding
Feed with Aquaticus Garden Booster once a month when watering, as well as Kings Potato food for strong and healthy tubers.
Protecting
Good drainage is key when growing Kumara, soil that gets too wet can encourage fungal conditions causing rot.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Kūmara stems will continually try and root themselves, so make sure you lift the stems up gently regularly, helping divert the plants energy to developing the tubers.
Tip
Kūmara foliage is edible and is great when cooked like spinach in soups and stews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to plant kumara?
The best time to plant kumara is from late October to early December when the soil has warmed up and there is no risk of frost.
How often should I water kumara plants?
Water deeply 3-4 times a week until well established.
How do I know when kumara is ready to harvest?
Kūmara take 100–120 days to be ready for harvest. Harvest before the first frosts, usually April- May depending on the weather, and before the tops die down. Cut off the tops and carefully lift the Kūmara with a fork. Leave the Kūmara tubers in the sun to cure for a couple of days, covering them at night with newspaper. Store Kūmara in a cool, spot on a hard surface, with good airflow.
What type of soil is best for growing kumara?
When planted into the ground Kūmara likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets, with the addition of Kings Potato food, then mix together well.
What pests and diseases should I watch out for?
Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Diseases such as fungal rot can occur if the soil is too wet. Regularly inspect plants and use organic pest control methods when necessary.