Scott Murphree

Hi Joseph, yeah, I totally made a false assumption, that longer vines produce a higher yield of leaves. The ideal might be a bush variety with large leaves. Thanks! Reminds me - I hear that pumpkin leaves can be good, but haven't tried them yet.

Hi S, interesting points! Yes, I think a longer vine would be better for eating, but some varieties of vines are 'bush'...maybe the bush ones don't have to compete for sunlight (in the conditions that they evolved in), and the long vines ones have to climb way up the trees to get enough sunlight to survive? I'm just guessing, but in neither case do tasting good to humans benefit them one way or another. Sadly, our input isn't a part of the evolutionary equation:).  So I guess it's a crap shoot as to which taste better. Wouldn't it be a bummer if it were discovered that the best are discovered from roots with 18 inch vines...ha! Actually since there isn't much info on the net, I assume that there's really not much variation among the cultivars, though I have seen hints that there are.
Yes, I plan to take your advice and if I discover something surprising I'll be sure to yell it from the rooftops! In fact, I'll prove it. A couple of days ago I discovered Kangkong (another vining type of green) and boiled it and it was very good. Got some more and stir fried it and it blew my mind. Soft and luscious...I would have gobbled five pounds of it if it were before me. That's good eats but I'm getting off topic. Thanks ! -S.

Thanks Susan, that's a great idea! Yes, I live just on the outskirts of Asheville. I've been sampling sweet potato root varieties for the last couple of weeks and there's definitely differences in their tastes, so it's not hard to imagine there may differences in their vines. For example, one online variety was described as having extra long vines (yes!), but didn't say whether it was best used for cattle fodder or feasting on for every meal. Maybe I should try 100 varieties and blog about it. Thanks again!

Thanks for your reply. Yeah, the idea of helping others realize the potential of perennial food sources really appeals to me too. I expect to host tours and have classes at my place, but obviously it'll be a decade or more before I'll have much to demonstrate!

I don't know if there are meaningful differences but if so I'd love to know. In my online research I've come across comments like 'some are better than others' and things like that which make me want to know more, but that's as far as I get. A little while ago I had a nibble of my ornamental variety and I can't recommend it, but some have reported that the vines are delicious. Of course if someone gives me the answer it might take all the fun out of it...maybe I should grow every variety I can get my hands on and see for myself :).

HI Michael, what a beautiful farm you have! I am preparing to move back to 40 acres of family land which looks strikingly similar to yours. I plan to set up a food forest, and it seems like there's no easy way to come by sources of initial stock. If your land was a 1/3 acre back yard you could buy the trees, but for larger acreages getting initial material is not so easy. I've thought of catering to this need (once I'm able) by selling seeds/cuttings in bulk to would be permies. I doubt that would be a real money maker but probably would be a much appreciated service. I plan to scrounge for seed like buying pecans and apples from farmer's markets and swiping fallen chestnuts out of peoples yards while they're at work (not really :), and was wondering, might you sell me 30 or 40 chestnut seeds from your american hybrid? Just a thought, thanks!

Hi guys, I have been reading that SPV's are edible and that in Asia some varieties are grown only for the vine but so far it seems the internet doesn't know which varieties those are :). Anybody have knowledge of which varieties are better or worse for producing lots of tasty leaves? Thanks!

Thanks Joseph, that link definitely helps!

I followed the link to your seed catalog, and I think the landrace tactic is great.

Hey Dave, thanks for the welcome and I really appreciate your sharing of appropriate links with me.  I don't expect that you recalled them directly from memory :), so I especially appreciate the help!
I noticed at least one other poster who made the same mistake as I: to assume that the forum list on the left of the page is comprehensive. After reading your reply I looked for anything I may have missed earlier and yep, there it was...the 'All Forums' button.  Aah head slap..live and learn! Thanks, -S.