How to Grow Imperial Burgundy
Imperial Burgundy
Ipomoea batatas 'Imperial Burgundy'
vegetableImperial Burgundy is a deep purple-skinned sweet potato variety with vibrant orange flesh, prized for its exceptional flavor and nutrient density. This heat-loving vine produces edible tubers underground while creating ornamental foliage above ground. It thrives in warm climates and requires a longer growing season than standard potatoes.
When should you plant Imperial Burgundy 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 Imperial Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Imperial Burgundy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Imperial Burgundy
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Imperial Burgundy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; can be grown in zone 7b with season extension; requires 100-120+ frost-free days
Sign up free to see if Imperial Burgundy grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Imperial Burgundy timeline →Growth Stages
Slip Development
4-6 weeksSmall rooted vine cuttings (4-6 inches long) with emerging roots and first true leaves appearing
Start slips indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Keep soil warm (75-80°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors.
Establishment & Vine Growth
4-6 weeksVines rapidly extend along the ground, developing heart-shaped leaves; no tubers visible yet
Transplant after soil reaches 60°F and all frost danger has passed. Water deeply to establish roots. Maintain consistent moisture. Mulch around plants to retain soil warmth and reduce weeds. Monitor for early pest pressure.
Vegetative Expansion
6-8 weeksVigorous vine growth with dense foliage coverage; vines can spread 3-4+ feet; underground tuber initiation begins
Vine management is key: contain vines if space is limited or allow to sprawl. Avoid over-fertilizing nitrogen which increases leaves at expense of tubers. Side-dress with phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage tuber development. Keep weeds controlled.
Tuber Bulking
6-8 weeksUnderground tubers swell to marketable size; tuber skin darkens to deep purple; foliage remains lush and green
This is the critical period (typically mid-summer through early fall). Maintain even soil moisture without waterlogging. Avoid disturbing soil or walking on vines. Watch for late-season pests. Vine tips can be pinched back if excessive growth is shading tubers.
Harvest Readiness
2-4 weeks before harvestingTubers reach full size and color; vines may begin to yellow; skin firms and cures naturally if left in ground
Begin harvest when tubers reach desired size (typically 4-6 months from planting). For best results, reduce watering 3-4 weeks before harvest to allow skin hardening and improved storage. Dig carefully to avoid bruising tubers, which reduces shelf life.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use certified pest-free slips; destroy affected tubers; practice crop rotation (3-year minimum); use pheromone traps to monitor; apply neem oil to vines; resistant varieties help minimize damage
-
Monitor undersides of leaves; use reflective mulch; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil at first signs; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
-
Use row covers early in season; apply spinosad or pyrethrin sprays; diatomaceous earth around plants; remove debris where beetles overwinter
-
Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays; encourage parasitic wasps; remove plant debris after harvest
-
Use resistant varieties when available; practice crop rotation; improve soil drainage; avoid planting in previously infested soil; soil solarization may help in contained areas
Uses
Roasting, Baking & Mashing
CulinaryImperial Burgundy's sweet, rich orange flesh is ideal for roasting, baking whole, or mashing into side dishes. The deep purple skin makes for striking presentation. Roast cubes with olive oil and spices for a colorful addition to grain bowls or vegetable medleys. [source]
Soups, Smoothies & Desserts
CulinaryThe creamy flesh blends beautifully into soups, purees, and desserts. Roasted tubers can be pureed for sweet potato pie filling, added to smoothie bowls, or incorporated into baked goods like muffins and pancakes. [source]
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Benefits
MedicinalImperial Burgundy's purple flesh contains anthocyanins and other polyphenols with potent antioxidant properties. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and manganese, it supports immune function, eye health, and blood sugar regulation. [source]
Natural Food Coloring
HouseholdThe vibrant purple pigment from Imperial Burgundy can be extracted and used as a natural food coloring for baking, beverages, or crafts. The stable anthocyanins create beautiful purple hues in homemade ice cream, frosting, and drinks. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeSweet potato flowers are attractive to bees and pollinators. The sprawling vine structure provides beneficial habitat for ground-dwelling insects and can serve as a living mulch or cover crop that supports garden biodiversity. [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 planting slips, or when frost threatens in cooler zones. Dig carefully with a garden fork, working outward from the base of the plant to avoid damaging tubers. Imperial Burgundy tubers are tender and bruise easily—handle with care. Cure harvested tubers at 80-85°F with high humidity (85-90%) for 10-14 days to harden skin and seal wounds, which improves storage life. Store in a dark, cool (55-60°F), humid place with good air circulation; they will keep 4-6 months or longer under ideal conditions. Avoid cold storage below 50°F, which causes chilling injury and off-flavors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Imperial Burgundy's deep purple pigment comes from anthocyanins, the same compounds found in blueberries and red wine, making it one of the most antioxidant-rich sweet potato varieties.
- 🌱 Sweet potatoes are not true potatoes at all—they're in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae), while regular potatoes are nightshades (Solanaceae), making them ideal companions in crop rotation.
- 🌱 A single sweet potato plant can produce 3-4 pounds or more of tubers under optimal conditions, making Imperial Burgundy an exceptionally productive home garden vegetable.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Imperial Burgundy planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Imperial Burgundy seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Imperial Burgundy timeline →