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How to Grow Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)

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πŸ› οΈ Supplies You'll Need

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Find Your Sweet Potato Planting Dates

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Ipomoea batatas
Category vegetable
Type Vine
Days to Maturity 100 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

β˜€οΈ Growing Requirements

β˜€οΈ

Sun

Full Sun (8+ hours)

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Water

Moderate (reduce as harvest approaches)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Depth

4" deep

πŸ“

Height

12-18"

🌱

Germination

14-21 days

Ready to Grow Sweet Potato?

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🀝 Good Companions

OkraDillThyme

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

SquashSunflower

Sweet Potato Planting Calendar by Zone

Sweet Potato Planting Calendar by State

Other Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Potato? +

Sow Sweet Potato seeds directly in the garden 0 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Sweet Potato take to grow? +

Sweet Potato typically matures in about 100 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Sweet Potato indoors or direct sow? +

Sweet Potato does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Sweet Potato need? +

Sweet Potato requires full sun (8+ hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Sweet Potato? +

Space Sweet Potato plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Sweet Potato need? +

Sweet Potato has moderate (reduce as harvest approaches) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

About Sweet Potato

Planted from slips (sprouts from tubers) rather than seeds. Needs warm soil and a long season. Harvest before first frost when leaves begin to yellow.

Expect your Sweet Potato to be ready for harvest in approximately 100 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.