Top Sweet Potato Varieties for All Regions

Choosing the right sweet potato variety is essential for a successful harvest. Over decades of growing sweet potatoes in Sonoma Valley, both in raised beds and containers, I’ve experimented with dozens of varieties and learned which thrive in different climates, soils, and growing seasons. The right variety ensures sweet, well-formed tubers, vigorous vines, and reliable yields.

Here’s my guide to the top sweet potato varieties for home gardeners in all regions, based on my experience.

Table of Contents

1. Beauregard – The Reliable Classic

Region: Warm to moderate climates
Maturity: 90–100 days
Characteristics: Deep orange flesh, sweet flavor, smooth skin
Why I like it: Beauregard is forgiving, produces consistently large tubers, and stores well. In my raised beds, it reliably fills the space without excessive vine tangle.

2. Jewel – Sweet and Versatile

Region: Most regions with at least 90 frost-free days
Maturity: 90–110 days
Characteristics: Bright orange flesh, slightly moist, excellent for baking
Experience note: Jewel is vigorous, easy to grow in containers, and holds its shape for roasting or steaming.

3. Garnet – Flavorful and Rich

Region: Warm to temperate climates
Maturity: 100–110 days
Characteristics: Deep red skin, moist orange flesh, very sweet
Why I grow it: Garnet produces reliable yields in raised beds and mounded rows. Its rich flavor makes it my go-to for holiday meals.

4. Japanese Sweet Potato (Satsumaimo) – Unique and Elegant

Region: Warm regions with longer growing seasons
Maturity: 110–120 days
Characteristics: Purple skin, white or yellow flesh, dry and firm
Experience tip: Takes longer to mature but produces striking, sweet tubers. I often grow these in raised beds with warm, loose soil for best results.

5. Covington – All-Purpose Favorite

Region: Most regions with at least 100 frost-free days
Maturity: 90–100 days
Characteristics: Rose-colored skin, orange flesh, very sweet
Why I like it: Covington vines are compact, making them ideal for containers or smaller beds, and tubers store exceptionally well.

6. Carolina Ruby – Long-Vine Performer

Region: Warm climates
Maturity: 100–110 days
Characteristics: Red skin, orange flesh, large tubers
Experience insight: Its vigorous growth spreads easily, so I allow more space between slips. Excellent yields when planted in mounded beds.

7. White or Cream-Fleshed Varieties – For Specialty Use

Examples: Hernandez, Boniato
Region: Warm climates, longer season
Characteristics: Mild, starchy flavor, firm texture
Experience note: I grow these for variety in cooking—they store well and add diversity to my harvest.

Tips for Choosing Varieties in Your Region

Short season climates: Choose fast-maturing varieties like Beauregard, Covington, or Jewel.
Warm, long-season areas: Try Japanese sweet potatoes or Garnet for maximum flavor and size.
Containers or small beds: Covington and Beauregard are compact and productive.
Storage needs: Garnet and Covington store well for several months.
Flavor preference: Dry, starchy varieties (Japanese, Boniato) vs. moist, sweet varieties (Beauregard, Jewel).

Experience Tip:
I often plant a mix of 2–3 varieties in the same bed. It spreads harvest timing, adds flavor diversity, and reduces risk from pests or weather.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right sweet potato variety is half the battle in growing a successful crop. From my years of hands-on gardening, Beauregard, Covington, Jewel, Garnet, and Japanese varieties stand out for flavor, yield, and adaptability. Matching varieties to your region, season length, and garden conditions ensures sweet, well-shaped tubers—and a harvest that consistently delights both the table and the gardener.