Released September 18, 2008

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Plant enthusiasts often have questions about the plants they grow, and a frequent one at this time of year is whether ornamental sweet potatoes are safe to eat.

Ornamental sweet potatoes have been a growing favorite for patio pot, window box and planter foliage, due to their trailing vines with lush lime-green or near-purple leaves. If the plants have enough room, however, in time they will start to produce actual sweet potatoes.

"That´s when we start getting the questions as to whether those sweet potatoes are safe to eat," said Ward Upham, who coordinates the Kansas Master Gardener Program, based at Kansas State University Research and Extension.

The answer is yes, Upham said, but added that gardeners should remember that the plants were chosen for ornamental qualities and not than their sweet potatoes´ taste, which may fall short of the quality of more traditional types.

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Contact: Mary Lou Peter-Blecha, mlpeter@ksu.edu