When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in California
In a typical California location, plant outdoors Jan 30 – Feb 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 12 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 10 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
Set out slips 2-4 weeks after last frost once soil is thoroughly warm (65F+); very frost/cold sensitive.
Sweet Potatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Plant outdoors |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Jose | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fresno | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Sacramento | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Bakersfield | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Riverside | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Stockton | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fremont | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| San Bernardino | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Fontana | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Modesto | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Moreno Valley | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Glendale | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Santa Clarita | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Santa Rosa | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Ontario | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Elk Grove | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sweet potatoes in California?
In a typical California location, plant outdoors Jan 30 – Feb 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 12 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 10 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do sweet potatoes take to grow?
Sweet Potatoes typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Set out slips 2-4 weeks after last frost once soil is thoroughly warm (65F+); very frost/cold sensitive.
Other Crops in California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant sweet potatoes in other states