What hardiness zones is Ipomoea batatas 'Beauregard' suitable for?

Ipomoea batatas 'Beauregard' is a warm-season perennial grown as an annual, reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall with a spread of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) and a trailing, vining habit with heart-shaped leaves. Developed at Louisiana State University in 1987 and named after Confederate general P.G.T. Beauregard, it produces medium to large, uniform, cylindrical to slightly tapered tubers 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) long with smooth, reddish-copper skin and deep orange, moist, sweet flesh. The standard commercial sweet potato variety—accounting for a large share of US production. Days to maturity 90-100 from slips (transplanted rooted sprouts). Growth rate is fast in warm conditions. Requires 90+ days of warm soil above 65°F (18°C). Stores 6-12 months when properly cured.

Native Range

Ipomoea batatas originated in Central and South America—likely Peru or the Yucatan Peninsula. 'Beauregard' was developed at Louisiana State University in 1987.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—baking, roasting, mashing, pies, fries. Standard commercial sweet potato—highest yield. Deep orange moist sweet flesh. Stores 6-12 months cured. LSU 1987. 90-100 days from slips. Requires long warm season—90+ days above 65°F. Not suitable for short-season or cool-summer climates without black plastic mulch.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Georgia Jet' by the reddish-copper (versus reddish-purple) skin, the slightly longer maturity (90-100 versus 80-90 days), the higher yield, and the better storage (6-12 versus 4-6 months). Distinguished from white-fleshed sweet potatoes by the deep orange (versus white/cream) flesh. Beauregard—standard commercial, reddish-copper skin, deep orange moist, highest yield, longest storage, LSU 1987.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Trumpet-shaped, lavender to pale purple flowers resembling morning glory (same family). Rarely flowers in northern latitudes—requires short day lengths. Flowers do not affect tuber production.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Lavender to pale purple; trumpet-shaped; rarely flowers in north

Foliage Description

Medium green; heart-shaped; on trailing vines

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.8 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

90-100 days from slips

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant slips (rooted sprouts) after all frost danger when soil is warm—65°F (18°C) minimum. Full sun. Sandy, well-drained, loose soil (pH 5.8-6.5). Moderate fertility—excess nitrogen produces vines at the expense of tubers. Consistent moisture during first month, then reduce. Days to maturity 90-100 from slips. Harvest before first frost. Cure at 80-85°F (27-29°C) and high humidity for 7-10 days. Stores 6-12 months after curing.