Sweet Georgia Heart Purple Sweet Potato Vine is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. Because of its trailing habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot.
Purple-heart plants are considered to be drought-tolerant, and will not require a great deal of watering. For best growth, however, it is best not to let them sit dry for long periods. Aim to water these plants when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.You'll also want to stick to watering them during their blooming season. Keep in mind that younger plants will require more moisture than adults, and they should generally be watered at least weekly.
Planting your purple-hearts in full sun can help ensure that they grow the most bold and vibrant purple stems. The plant can also grow in partial shade, but their stems are more likely to appear green than purple.
Purple-heart plants will grow best in soil that's lightweight, porous and moist. Though most commercial potting mixes will work just fine, the soil should ideally include peat moss, perlite, and compost.
These plants grow long stems, and due to their fast growth rate, they can become leggy and spindly very quickly. You'll want to prune them during the warmer months when all of the flowers have bloomed. Be sure to use sharp scissors and gloves. Aim to take off the top half of the stems that have become overgrown.
Keep purple heart in normal room temperatures of approximately 60 to 70 degrees F during the day, and about 50 to 55 degrees F at night.
