Sweet Potato Planting Guide — All Zones
Ipomoea batatas
Last updated: Apr 25, 2026Quick Facts
Sunlight
☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs
💧💧 Moderate
Spacing
18 inches apart
Planting Depth
4.0 inch
Min Soil Temp
65°F
Germination
14–21 days
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Frost Tolerance
No frost tolerance
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
Difficulty
Moderate
Planting Schedule by Zone
Select your USDA zone below for a detailed guide with tips specific to your region.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5 | Apr 2 | May 21 | — | Sep 5 | Oct 2 |
| Zone 6 | Mar 18 | May 6 | — | Aug 21 | Oct 12 |
| Zone 7 | Mar 8 | Apr 26 | — | Aug 11 | Oct 10 |
| Zone 8 | Feb 20 | Apr 10 | — | Jul 26 | Sep 24 |
| Zone 9 | Jan 31 | Mar 21 | — | Jul 6 | Sep 4 |
| Zone 10 | Jan 13 | Mar 3 | — | Jun 18 | Aug 17 |
| Zone 11 | Dec 18 | Feb 5 | — | May 23 | Jul 22 |
Recommended for Your Zone
🌱 Sweet Potato Seeds & Supplies
Find seeds, soil, and tools suited for growing sweet potato in your zone.
Shop on Amazon →Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Squash
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.