Potatoes and sweet potatoes are not related, but both thrive in large containers

Gardening · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Though often grouped together as starchy tubers, potatoes and sweet potatoes belong to entirely different botanical families. Potatoes are nightshades, while sweet potatoes are related to morning glory. Despite these differences, both are excellent candidates for container gardening, provided you use the right techniques to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Potatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, sharing lineage with tomatoes and peppers. For the best results, gardeners should avoid using store-bought spuds, which may carry diseases, and instead opt for certified seed potatoes. Varieties fall into three broad categories: waxy types like Kipflers, which are ideal for roasting; floury Dutch Cream, prized for mashing; and versatile all-rounders like Sebagos. When planting in an 85L pot, it is crucial not to overcrowd the container; three potatoes are sufficient. The process involves layering compost and potting mix, adding blood and bone fertilizer, and continuously mounding soil as shoots emerge to encourage tuber formation.

Sweet potatoes, or Ipomoea batatas, belong to the Convolvulaceae family. Unlike potatoes, they are best propagated from 'slips'—established cuttings taken from an existing plant or sprouted from a previous harvest. Because sweet potato roots are sprawling, they require containers that are both wide and deep. Gardeners can experiment with different cultivars, such as the common orange kumara or purple Hawaiian varieties. Regular watering and the application of mulch are essential to keep the soil moist and protect the crop from weevils.

Timing and maintenance are key to success for both crops. Potatoes typically reach harvest in three to five months, signaled by yellowing, dropping leaves. Sweet potatoes require a longer window of four to six months. One significant safety distinction is that while sweet potato leaves are edible and often used in salads or stir-fries, potato leaves are poisonous. By following these specific container-growing methods, even those with limited space can enjoy a productive harvest of both tubers throughout the season.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

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