How to Grow Covington Sweet Potato
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Covington Sweet Potato
Ipomoea batatas 'Covington'
vegetableCovington is a popular orange-fleshed sweet potato variety known for its deep orange color, excellent sweetness, and high beta-carotene content. It produces vigorous vines with attractive foliage and reliable yields of uniform, elongated tubers. This cultivar is widely grown both commercially and in home gardens for its superior flavor and nutritional profile.
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Example Covington Sweet Potato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Covington Sweet Potato
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 Covington Sweet Potato
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-11; can be grown in zone 6 with season extension techniques
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Slip Development
4-6 weeksRooted vine cuttings are obtained from seed potatoes sprouted in warm, humid conditions. Slips develop 3-4 true leaves and fibrous root systems before transplanting.
Start seed potatoes indoors 6-8 weeks before transplant date in warm (75-80°F), humid conditions. Mist regularly and keep soil consistently moist. Maintain high humidity to prevent fungal issues.
Establishment
3-4 weeksRecently transplanted slips establish root systems and begin vine growth. Plants are small and vulnerable to competition and stress.
Transplant after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches 60°F minimum (70°F+ preferred). Water gently and frequently. Provide shade cloth in extreme heat. Control weeds actively. Apply balanced fertilizer 2-3 weeks after planting.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksVigorous vine development with extensive foliage coverage. Vines spread rapidly and may cover significant ground. Root development accelerates below soil surface.
Minimal intervention needed. Monitor for pests and diseases. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes vine growth at expense of tuber development. Ensure consistent moisture. Side-dress with potassium-rich fertilizer mid-season if needed.
Tuber Bulking
6-8 weeksTubers enlarge significantly underground while vine growth slows. Foliage remains healthy and productive. Covington develops characteristic orange color and elongated shape.
Reduce nitrogen fertilization. Maintain consistent soil moisture but allow slight drying between waterings. Do not disturb soil as tubers near surface. Monitor for late blight and other fungal diseases in humid conditions.
Maturity & Harvest
2-4 weeksTubers reach full size with firm skin and optimal sugar development. Vines may show senescence as harvest approaches. Tubers are ready when 12+ weeks from transplanting.
Reduce watering 2-3 weeks before harvest to improve flavor and curing ability. Harvest before first frost. Handle tubers gently to avoid bruising. Sort for damage and disease. Cure at 80-85°F with 90% humidity for 10-14 days before storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use yellow sticky traps, reflective mulch, and insecticidal soap. Introduce parasitic wasps. Remove heavily infested leaves. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
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Use row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil or spinosad. Reflective mulches help. Plant trap crops like radishes nearby.
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Inspect vines regularly for entry holes and frass. Remove infested vines promptly. Inject Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) into affected stems. Use pheromone traps to monitor populations.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
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Increase humidity to discourage mites. Spray with miticide or sulfur. Remove heavily affected leaves. Introduce predatory mites.
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Use disease-free seed potatoes. Rotate crops yearly. Remove and destroy infected plants. Improve soil drainage and avoid waterlogging.
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Use certified disease-free slips. Handle tubers carefully to avoid wounds. Cure properly after harvest. Disinfect storage areas.
Uses
Roasting & Baking
CulinaryCovington sweet potatoes excel when roasted whole, halved, or cut into fries. Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully, and the creamy texture makes them ideal for purees, casseroles, and pies. [source]
Beta-Carotene & Antioxidants
MedicinalThe deep orange flesh of Covington indicates high levels of beta-carotene (provitamin A) and other beneficial compounds that support vision, immune function, and overall health. Regular consumption contributes to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. [source]
Purees & Soups
CulinaryCovington's natural sweetness and smooth texture when cooked make it perfect for creamy soups, smoothies, baby food, and dessert purees. Its reliability across batches ensures consistent results in commercial and home cooking. [source]
Long-Term Storage
HouseholdProperly cured Covington sweet potatoes store exceptionally well for 4-6 months in cool, humid conditions, making them valuable for food security and year-round pantry supply. [source]
Versatile Side Dishes
CulinaryBeyond traditional preparations, Covington works in salads, curries, grain bowls, and savory applications. Its balanced sweetness complements both warm spices and herbaceous flavors. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest 100-120 days after transplanting, typically in September-October before first frost. Dig carefully to avoid bruising tubers. Cut vines 2-3 weeks before harvest to prepare plants. Use a garden fork to loosen soil gently, then hand-harvest tubers. Handle with care as bruised tubers don't store well. Cure harvested tubers at 80-85°F with 85-90% humidity for 10-14 days to heal minor skin wounds and improve flavor. Store in cool (55-60°F), humid (85-90% RH) conditions; properly cured Covington can store 4-6 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Covington was developed through a cooperative breeding program and is named after Covington, Georgia. It has become one of the most widely grown sweet potato varieties in the United States due to its superior color, disease resistance, and market appeal.
- 🌱 Sweet potatoes are not closely related to common potatoes despite their similar names; they belong to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) and are completely different botanically.
- 🌱 The deep orange color of Covington comes from carotenoids, and a single medium sweet potato can provide over 400% of the daily recommended vitamin A intake.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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