Sweet potato vines are very cold-sensitive. I had the same experience and brought them into a sunny window in the kitchen. They revived. I have planted a lot of annuals already but not these. They are heat-lovers and anything under 50 degrees will set them back...or worse.

If you havent already; go ahead and plant it in decent soil & perlite (to help the soil with drainage & air for the roots) Thats going to look so nice & full in a pot, show it when your done. Christine

Mr. Brown Thumb says that the ornamental ones have been bred for their lovely foliage so that's why the potato is pithy and woody, whereas the sweet potatoes bred for their potato production are tastier ... in the tuber portion. http://mrbrownthumb.blogspot.com/2010/10/ornamental-sweet-potato-vine.html. Sooo if they're both Ipomoeas then one should grow them for what they intend to harvest and use for their tables ... either leaves or tubers? I have Puerto Rico sweet potatoes growing and will have to try eating the young leaves and shoots. This is a very interesting discussion because I have been curious about eating the foliage for a while. Does anyone know if all Ipomoeas (morning glories) have edible leaves? Thanks to you all for the information in this thread.

Hi all, Even though the sweetpotato belongs in the monrning glory family, it does not take to climbing trellises (even if trellises are available). I think it lost its "climbing ability" on its way to being domesticated. Thanks. TF The splog: http://www.sweetpotato360.com