How to Grow Blackie
Wikimedia Commons
Blackie
Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie'
vineBlackie is a decorative sweet potato vine cultivar prized for its striking dark purple to nearly black, deeply lobed foliage. It is a tender perennial vine that grows vigorously in warm weather, making it a popular ornamental choice for hanging baskets, containers, and garden beds. The plant produces heart-shaped leaves with dramatic dark coloring that intensifies in full sun.
When should you plant Blackie in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Blackie timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blackie
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blackie
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blackie dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Propagation
1-2 weeksCuttings develop roots in water or moist soil, or tubers sprout slips
Use disease-free slips or cuttings. Keep warm (70-80°F) and maintain humidity. Root in water or propagation mix for 1-2 weeks.
Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung vines develop true leaves and begin trailing; leaf color emerges
Plant in warm soil after last frost. Provide bright indirect light initially, then transition to full sun. Water gently and regularly.
Vigorous Growth
6-8 weeks ongoingVines spread rapidly with dense foliage coverage; leaves deepen to dark purple-black color
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Pinch tips occasionally to encourage bushiness. Monitor for pests.
Maintenance
Until frost or end of growing seasonMature vine produces consistent dark foliage throughout the growing season; may produce small pink or white flowers
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Prune or trim as needed to maintain shape. Cut back in fall or before winter dormancy.
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 monthsVine dies back in freezing temperatures; foliage withers
In zones 9b and warmer, mulch heavily to protect tubers. In cooler zones, dig tubers before frost and store in cool, dry place for spring replanting.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Inspect regularly; remove by hand or with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; apply insecticidal soap
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Use disease-free slips; remove and destroy affected tubers; crop rotation; store tubers at cool temperatures
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Hand-pick early morning; use beetle traps; apply neem oil or spinosad
Uses
Ornamental container gardening
HouseholdBlackie is widely used in mixed container gardens, hanging baskets, and window boxes for its dramatic dark foliage that contrasts beautifully with lighter-colored plants. The trailing habit makes it ideal for spilling over pot edges. [source]
Landscape design accent
HouseholdThe deep purple-black deeply lobed leaves serve as a striking focal point or accent plant in garden beds and borders, providing color contrast and textural interest throughout the growing season. [source]
Arrangement and floral design
CraftBlackie foliage is harvested for use in fresh flower arrangements, wreaths, and decorative crafts due to its unique dark color and attractive leaf shape. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeAlthough primarily grown for foliage, mature Blackie vines occasionally produce small pink or white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. [source]
Harvest Tips
Blackie is grown for foliage and is not typically harvested like culinary sweet potatoes. Pinch or trim vines as desired to control size and shape. If digging tubers in fall, do so before the first hard frost. Store tubers in a cool (50-60°F), dark, humid location for replanting the following spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blackie is a cultivar of the ornamental sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) and is not grown for food, though the tubers are technically edible—the plant is strictly ornamental.
- 🌱 The deep purple-black color of the leaves intensifies with more sunlight; plants grown in partial shade will have darker purple foliage but slower growth than those in full sun.
- 🌱 Blackie can be easily propagated from cuttings year-round indoors or from tubers stored over winter, making it economical for gardeners wanting to expand their collections.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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