How to Grow Inky Fingers
Wikimedia Commons
Inky Fingers
Ipomoea batatas 'Inky Fingers'
vineInky Fingers is a striking ornamental sweet potato vine with deeply lobed, dark purple to near-black foliage that creates dramatic visual contrast in gardens. The plant produces heart-shaped leaves with finger-like lobes and trailing stems perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds. While grown primarily for its stunning foliage rather than edible tubers, it adds bold, sculptural interest to landscapes.
When should you plant Inky Fingers in your zone?
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Example Inky Fingers timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Inky Fingers
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 Inky Fingers
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Inky Fingers dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop their first true leaves, establishing a root system
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide protection from wind. Begin light fertilizing after 2-3 weeks of growth
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksVigorous vine growth with lobed leaves becoming darker and more deeply cut; trailing stems extend rapidly
Maintain consistent moisture and weekly balanced fertilization. Prune growing tips if needed for bushier growth. Support or stake if desired
Full Maturity
4-12 weeksPlant reaches maximum spread with fully developed dark purple to black foliage and extensive trailing growth
Continue moderate watering. Switch to lower-nitrogen fertilizer to maintain foliage color. Remove any dead or diseased leaves
Senescence/Fall Transition
2-4 weeks before frostPlant slows growth as temperatures cool; foliage may fade slightly; vines begin hardening off
Reduce watering frequency. Stop fertilizing. In frost-prone zones, harvest tubers before frost if desired for next season
End of Season
Until first frostFrost kills vines; foliage blackens and dies back completely in zones below 10
Dig and store tubers in cool, dry location (50-60°F) for replanting next spring. Discard plant material or compost if no tubers needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove affected foliage. Increase air circulation
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Mist foliage regularly. Spray with neem oil. Increase humidity. Prune heavily infested areas
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Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Prune affected stems. Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Monitor regularly
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Plant disease-free tubers. Rotate planting locations. Destroy infested tubers immediately. No chemical controls recommended
Uses
Dramatic Container Gardening
OrnamentalInky Fingers creates stunning visual impact in large containers, hanging baskets, and mixed planters where its dark foliage contrasts beautifully with lighter-colored companion plants and flowers. The trailing habit makes it ideal for high-visibility garden displays. [source]
Sweet Potato Tubers (Limited Edibility)
CulinaryWhile grown primarily for foliage, the plant does produce edible sweet potato tubers that can be harvested and consumed like traditional sweet potatoes, though the tuber flavor and size may vary from commercial varieties. [source]
Interior Accent Plant
HouseholdInky Fingers thrives as a houseplant near bright windows or under grow lights, providing dramatic dark foliage for indoor gardens and tropical-themed spaces while being relatively low-maintenance. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Design
CraftThe distinctive deeply lobed foliage can be harvested for use in fresh floral arrangements, craft projects, and decorative displays where its dark color and unique texture add visual interest. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAs a vine plant, Inky Fingers provides shelter and support structures for beneficial insects, though it does not produce significant nectar or pollen directly. [source]
Harvest Tips
Inky Fingers is grown for ornamental foliage, not typically harvested like food crops. Pinch stem tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and deeper color development. Harvest entire plant before first frost in cool zones, or allow to grow as tender annual. If growing for tubers, dig tubers in fall after foliage dies back or begins to freeze; cure in warm, humid location for 7-10 days before storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Inky Fingers is actually a cultivar of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), which is more closely related to the morning glory than to common potatoes
- 🌱 The intensely dark purple foliage contains anthocyanin pigments, the same beneficial antioxidant compounds found in the roots of purple sweet potato varieties
- 🌱 Sweet potato vines can grow 6-10 feet per season, making them one of the fastest-growing ornamental plants perfect for quick garden transformation
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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