Overwintering Elephant Ears & Sweet Potato Vines in Kentucky

In Georgetown, KY (Zone 6b), both elephant ears (Colocasia) and ornamental sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) are tender and must be lifted.

Elephant Ears

1. After frost kills tops, cut to 6 inches.
2. Dig corms, clean, dry 1–2 weeks warm.
3. Store in peat/vermiculite at 50–60°F (warmer than dahlias). Check monthly.

Sweet Potato Vine Tubers

• Dig tubers, brush off soil (don't wash).
• Cure 1 week warm, dry.
• Store in slightly moist peat at 55–60°F. Garage is too cold.
• Pot up indoors in March for early starts.

Key Difference

Both need warmer storage (50–60°F) than dahlias/cannas (40–50°F). A heated basement or insulated closet works. Don't let them freeze or dry out completely.