Ornamental Sweet Potato Tubers: Edible But Not Tasty

Same Species, Different Selection

Ornamental sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are the same species as edible sweet potatoes but bred for foliage color and form, not root quality. The tubers are technically edible but fibrous, starchy, and bland—requiring heavy seasoning to be palatable.

Better Uses for Tubers

• Overwinter storage: Keep tubers cool, dark, dry; replant spring
• Propagation: Cut tubers into sections with eyes; sprout in water
• Sharing: Pass along to fellow gardeners

Dr. Doug Bailey's Experiments

UGA's horticulture department head has prepared ornamental sweet potato dishes for colleagues—culinary experiments confirming edibility but not desirability.

Key Distinction

Don't confuse with butterfly ginger (Hedychium coronarium), which has ornamental foliage but different roots entirely.