How to Grow Ruby Moon
Wikimedia Commons
Ruby Moon
Ipomoea batatas 'Ruby Moon'
vegetableRuby Moon is a ornamental sweet potato variety with striking deep purple-red foliage and vines that create dramatic visual interest in gardens and containers. While primarily grown for its attractive heart-shaped leaves rather than tuber production, it occasionally produces small edible tubers. This tender perennial is typically cultivated as an annual in most climates.
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Example Ruby Moon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ruby Moon
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 Ruby Moon
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ruby Moon dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 5-8 with protection or container culture
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Slip Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung rooted slips with 3-4 leaves beginning to develop root systems and establish in soil
Keep soil consistently moist; provide warm conditions (70-80°F); protect from direct intense sun initially; use a light mulch to retain moisture without promoting fungal issues
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksRapid vine elongation with heart-shaped leaves darkening to deep purple-red; stems become woody and sprawling
Maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly; ensure full sun exposure; stake or provide trellis if growing vertically; pinch tips to encourage bushier growth if desired
Vine Maturation
6-8 weeksExtensive trailing vine coverage with fully developed purple foliage; plants may produce small heart-shaped leaves along entire length
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; maintain adequate water; monitor for pests; continue pinching tips to manage shape; provide support structure if training vertically
Flowering
4-8 weeksSmall trumpet-shaped purple-pink flowers may appear in long photoperiod conditions; more common in late summer/fall
Flowering is optional and doesn't improve foliage; remove flowers if you prefer plants to focus energy on leaf production; continue regular care routine
Harvest
Continuous or at season endFoliage mature and at peak coloration; small tubers may have formed at plant base and along underground stems
Harvest vine tips anytime for use as ornamental greenery; carefully dig around plant base to harvest any formed tubers; time final harvest before first frost in cooler zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested tubers; use pheromone traps; avoid planting near wild Ipomoea species; rotate planting location annually; in severe cases use insecticidal soap
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Spray with water to dislodge; use reflective mulch; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity; spray undersides of leaves with water; use neem oil; ensure good air circulation
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Container and landscape ornament
OrnamentalRuby Moon's deep purple-red foliage creates striking visual contrast in mixed containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds. The heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit make it an excellent choice for adding color-bold drama to patios and tropical-themed gardens. [source]
Edible vine tips and young leaves
CulinaryYoung tender vine tips and leaves are edible and can be harvested regularly without damaging the plant's ornamental value. They can be lightly steamed, sautéed, or used in stir-fries, though they are primarily grown for aesthetic rather than food production purposes. [source]
Floral arrangements and greenery
HouseholdThe decorative vine segments and purple foliage make excellent additions to fresh floral arrangements and botanical displays. Cut stems remain vibrant for 1-2 weeks in water and add unique texture and color to bouquets. [source]
Tuber production (occasional)
CulinaryWhile not reliably produced in all growing conditions, Ruby Moon may develop small edible tubers that can be harvested and prepared like regular sweet potatoes. These tubers are typically smaller and less abundant than dedicated food varieties but add to the plant's multi-purpose appeal. [source]
Pollinator and butterfly support
WildlifeWhen flowering occurs, the trumpet-shaped blooms attract bees and butterflies, providing nectar sources during their growing season. The dense foliage also offers shelter for beneficial insects. [source]
Harvest Tips
For ornamental foliage, pinch or cut vine tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and use cuttings in floral arrangements. For tuber harvest, wait until 120+ days or just before first frost; carefully dig around plant base and follow underground stems; cure harvested tubers in warm, humid location (80-85°F) for 1-2 weeks before storage. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ruby Moon is a cultivated ornamental variety of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), which is not actually related to potatoes but rather to morning glories and bindweed in the Convolvulaceae family.
- 🌱 The deep purple coloration comes from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds responsible for purple coloring in blueberries, blackberries, and purple cabbage—these are powerful antioxidants even in ornamental varieties.
- 🌱 Sweet potato vines are among the fastest-growing ornamental plants, capable of adding 12-18 inches of new growth per week under optimal conditions, making them excellent for rapid garden coverage or seasonal screens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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