How to Grow Trailing Sweet Potato Vine 'Ace of Spades'
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Trailing Sweet Potato Vine 'Ace of Spades'
Ipomoea batatas 'Ace of Spades'
vine'Ace of Spades' is a ornamental sweet potato vine cultivar prized for its deeply lobed, heart-shaped foliage in deep purple-black with contrasting lighter veining. This vigorous trailing vine is a heat-loving tender perennial grown as an annual in most climates, perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and ground covers. The dramatic dark foliage provides excellent color contrast in mixed plantings and landscapes.
When should you plant Trailing Sweet Potato Vine 'Ace of Spades' in your zone?
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Example Trailing Sweet Potato Vine 'Ace of Spades' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Trailing Sweet Potato Vine 'Ace of Spades'
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 Trailing Sweet Potato Vine 'Ace of Spades'
Around Apr 24≈ 7 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Transplant Establishment
7-14 daysYoung vine with small heart-shaped leaves emerging; stems are thin and tender
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light indoors or filtered sunlight if transplanting early. Harden off gradually before outdoor planting. Pinch tips after 2-3 sets of leaves to encourage branching.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRapid vine elongation with increasing leaf production; leaves develop characteristic lobing and deep purple-black color intensifies with sun exposure
Water regularly as vines grow vigorously. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks or use slow-release fertilizer at planting. Support trailing growth with stakes or allow to cascade. Trim excessive growth if needed.
Full Maturity
Maintains through growing seasonFully developed trailing vines 3-5+ feet long with dense, deeply lobed foliage in rich purple-black; occasional small purple trumpet flowers may appear in summer
Maintain regular watering during dry periods. Continue monthly feeding to support vigorous foliage. Prune or pinch back if growth becomes unruly. Monitor for pests in heat and humidity.
Fall Decline (Cool Climates)
Variable; begins when temps drop below 60°FVines slow growth as temperatures drop; foliage may yellow or fade; frost will kill tender plant tissue
Enjoy the vine through fall. Reduce watering as growth slows. In frost-prone areas, dig tubers before first frost if you wish to store and replant next year. Otherwise, compost the plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; yellow sticky traps; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; neem oil application
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Remove affected vines; inspect tubers before storing; rotate plantings; use row covers early season
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators
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Horticultural oil; neem oil; manual removal with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
Uses
Container and Hanging Basket Ornament
HouseholdTrailing Sweet Potato Vine 'Ace of Spades' is an exceptional choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed container plantings, where its deep purple-black foliage creates dramatic visual impact and cascades beautifully. The vigorous growth quickly fills spaces and pairs striking color with minimal maintenance. [source]
Ground Cover and Landscape Design
HouseholdIn warm climates, 'Ace of Spades' serves as a fast-growing annual ground cover or fill plant, quickly covering bare areas with striking dark foliage that contrasts beautifully with lighter-colored plants and landscape features. Its spreading habit makes it useful for erosion control on slopes. [source]
Tuber Production
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, the tubers of sweet potato vines are edible and nutritious, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. They can be roasted, boiled, baked, or fried when harvested and cured in fall. [source]
Pollinator and Insect Habitat
WildlifeThe occasional purple trumpet flowers produced by sweet potato vines attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, while the dense foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects and small creatures in the garden. [source]
Foliage for Arrangements
CraftThe uniquely lobed, deep purple foliage can be cut for fresh tropical-style arrangements, providing interesting texture and color that lasts well in water when cut stems are properly conditioned. [source]
Harvest Tips
Sweet potato vines are grown primarily for ornamental foliage, not harvested. The tubers may be dug in fall (90-120 days after planting) if you wish to store them for next season or culinary use. Harvest before frost in cool climates. Cure tubers in warm, humid conditions (80-85°F, 85-90% humidity) for 10-14 days before storage in cool (55-60°F), humid conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Ace of Spades' gets its name from the deeply cut, spade-like shape of its leaves, which creates a striking geometric pattern of dark purple-black with lighter veining that becomes more pronounced with full sun exposure.
- 🌱 Sweet potato vines are technically a different plant from regular sweet potatoes grown for food production (though same species) and are not typically selected for tuber quality; ornamental varieties are bred primarily for dramatic foliage rather than edible root production.
- 🌱 The vines can grow 3-5 feet or more in a single season in warm climates, making them one of the fastest-growing ornamental vines for containers and can quickly cascade from a hanging basket to create an impressive summer display.
Gardening Terms
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