Planting guide · zone 8a

When to plant sweet potatoes in zone 8a

In zone 8a, the average last spring frost is Mar 25 and the first fall frost is Nov 12. Here is sweet potatoes's whole year, counted from those dates.

Apr 15Plant slipsSpring
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Sow depth
slips
Spacing
12–18 in
Sun
Full sun
Days
90–120
Soil & site

Loose, sandy, low-nitrogen soil in raised ridges — rich ground grows vines instead of roots.

Seedling care

Plant slips (rooted cuttings) well after frost, once soil is thoroughly warm. Water daily the first week while they take.

Growing notes

The vines smother weeds for you. Ease off water in the last month to prevent splitting.

Harvest

Dig before frost, or immediately after vines blacken. Cure at 80–85°F for 10 days — curing is what creates the sweetness.

See your whole year in the calendar →
Sweet Potatoes growing and preserving guide · Preserving methods
Same crop, other zones
Sweet Potatoes in zone 7a →Sweet Potatoes in zone 7b →Sweet Potatoes in zone 8b →Sweet Potatoes in zone 9a →
More for zone 8a
Tomatoes →Turnips →Watermelon →Winter Squash →Zucchini →Arugula →