Carogold sweet potato is a Clemson University heirloom released in 1958 that earned top marks in taste tests for its rich, creamy flavor and smooth purple skin wrapped around vibrant orange flesh. This prolific variety thrives in zones 7-11, reaching harvest in 90-120 days when grown in full sun with 12 inches of spacing. Its proven resistance to fusarium wilt and cracking makes it a reliable choice for gardeners in disease-prone regions, while its high yield potential rewards patient growers with abundant roots.
12
Full Sun
Moderate
7-11
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
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Carogold delivered the best flavor in our growing trials, with a creamy texture that distinguishes it from many modern sweet potatoes. The combination of disease resistance to fusarium wilt and cracking, paired with prolific vines that produce substantial yields, makes this 1950s Clemson cultivar a standout for gardeners seeking both reliability and superior taste. Purple skin and orange flesh create striking visual appeal in the garden and on the plate.
Carogold's creamy texture and rich flavor make it exceptional when roasted, baked, or mashed into side dishes where its natural sweetness shines. The smooth skin and substantial flesh also lend themselves to slicing for chips or adding to soups and stews where the orange color and tender consistency enhance both presentation and nutrition.
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Start slips indoors in warm conditions (75-85°F) several weeks before your last frost date to establish vigorous transplants. This timing allows plants to develop sufficient root systems before moving outdoors.
Transplant hardened-off slips outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach 75-85°F. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows, ensuring at least 90-120 frost-free days remain in your growing season before the first fall frost.
Harvest Carogold after 90-120 days, typically in mid to late fall before the first hard frost. Dig carefully around the base of the plant to avoid bruising the roots. The tubers should detach cleanly from the vine; look for mature, full-sized roots with intact skin. Cure harvested roots in a warm (80-85°F), humid location for 7-10 days before storage to heal any minor cuts and develop protective skin.
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“Carogold was bred at Clemson College, now Clemson University, and released in 1958 as a result of institutional breeding work aimed at developing sweeter, more disease-resistant varieties. This cultivar emerged during a period of significant horticultural advancement in the American South, where sweet potato breeding programs sought to improve both flavor and agronomic traits for regional growers. Its release represented a move toward selecting for superior taste alongside practical disease resistance, bridging the gap between heritage flavors and modern cultivation challenges.”