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Sweet Potato Growing Guide
Convolvulaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative / Root Development
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | — | Sep 13 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | — | Sep 13 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 20 | Jun 5 | — | Sep 3 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | — | Sep 13 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 27 | Jun 12 | — | Sep 10 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 20 | Jun 5 | — | Sep 3 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 10 | May 26 | — | Aug 24 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 6 | May 22 | — | Aug 20 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 3 | May 19 | — | Aug 17 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 3 | May 19 | — | Aug 17 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 3 | May 19 | — | Aug 17 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 18 | May 6 | — | Aug 4 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | May 6 | — | Aug 4 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 13 | May 1 | — | Jul 30 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Apr 26 | — | Jul 25 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 25 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 11 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 23 | Apr 10 | — | Jul 9 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 13 | Mar 31 | — | Jun 29 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 26 | Mar 13 | — | Jun 11 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 3 | Feb 18 | — | May 19 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 3 | Feb 18 | — | May 19 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Feb 5 | — | May 6 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Apr 22 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Apr 22 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Apr 22 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Apr 22 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Sweet Potato?
Sweet Potato takes approximately 100 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Sweet Potato need?
Sweet Potato requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Sweet Potato?
Plant Sweet Potato at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Sweet Potato survive frost?
Sweet Potato is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Sweet Potato?
Good companion plants for Sweet Potato include Dill, Oregano, Thyme.
How long does Sweet Potato take to germinate?
Sweet Potato seeds germinate in 14-21 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.
When should I start Sweet Potato seeds indoors?
Start Sweet Potato seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 3 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Start slips 6-8 weeks before last frost by sprouting tubers in water
- Needs loose, sandy soil and 90-120 warm days
- Do not refrigerate harvested sweet potatoes; cure at 80-85°F for 10 days
Common Pests & Diseases
- Sweet potato weevil
- Wireworm
- White grubs
- Scurf
Harvest Notes
Harvest before frost when tubers are sized up (about 100 days). Cure in a warm, humid spot for 10 days. Handle gently; skin bruises easily.
Plan Your Sweet Potato Garden
Track Sweet Potato from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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