When to Plant and Harvest Sweet Potato
Heat-loving root vegetable producing sweet, nutritious tubers on sprawling vines
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.2. Lime if a soil test reads below 5.5. Keep it within 5.5 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 55 to 60F and 85 to 90% humidity. Keeps 4 to 7 months. Cure: 4 to 7 days at 80 to 85F and 85 to 90% humidity. Do not wash first. Never refrigerate. A few days below 50F causes hard cores and off flavors. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Roasted sweet potatoes. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). Sweet potato is a morning glory relative, but ASPCA lists this species as non-toxic. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Sweet Potato
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Sweet Potato in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 20 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 15 to June 5 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 15 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 15 to May 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 1 to April 15 | July 1 to August 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | July 15 to August 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 1 to March 1 | August 1 to October 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to February 15 | August 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 4 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 36 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 65F to 95F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; reduce 3-4 weeks before harvest for starch development
- Days to harvest: 100
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: 3 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Wood Ash organic: 5 lbs per 100 sq ft for potassium
- Compost organic: 2-3 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Beans
- Beets
- Thyme
Avoid Planting Near
- Squash
- Tomatoes
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Leaves begin to yellow and vines die back
- Dig test tuber to check size before full harvest
- Skin resists cracking when rubbed
- Cure at 85F and high humidity for 10 days after harvest
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Sweet Potato?
Sweet Potato planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Sweet Potato?
The best time of year to plant Sweet Potato is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 65F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Sweet Potato?
Plant Sweet Potato in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Sweet Potato?
Plant Sweet Potato about 12 inches apart, with rows around 36 inches apart.
What grows well with Sweet Potato?
Sweet Potato is commonly paired with Beans, Beets, Thyme.
How long does Sweet Potato take to grow?
Sweet Potato is typically ready to harvest in about 100 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Sweet Potato?
Harvest Sweet Potato when leaves begin to yellow and vines die back. Dig test tuber to check size before full harvest Skin resists cracking when rubbed