When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in District of Columbia

In a typical District of Columbia location, plant outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 26. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Washington and as late as Apr 23 in Chevy Chase.

Method Plant out (slips, crowns, or tubers)
Days to maturity 90–120 days

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

CityPlant outdoors
WashingtonApr 7 – Apr 21
Downtown DCApr 12 – Apr 26
Columbia HeightsApr 12 – Apr 26
Mount PleasantApr 23 – May 7
Central 14th Street / Spring RoadApr 12 – Apr 26
Northwest OneApr 12 – Apr 26
Foggy BottomApr 23 – May 7
Mount Vernon TriangleApr 12 – Apr 26
H Street NEApr 12 – Apr 26
Pleasant PlainsApr 12 – Apr 26
NoMaApr 12 – Apr 26
PetworthApr 12 – Apr 26
Capitol RiverfrontApr 7 – Apr 21
Park ViewApr 12 – Apr 26
Golden TriangleApr 7 – Apr 21
ShawApr 12 – Apr 26
BrightwoodApr 12 – Apr 26
Adams MorganApr 12 – Apr 26
Kennedy StreetApr 12 – Apr 26
Southwest WaterfrontApr 7 – Apr 21
Barracks RowApr 12 – Apr 26
Union MarketApr 12 – Apr 26
AnacostiaApr 7 – Apr 21
Colorado TriangleApr 23 – May 7
Brentwood VillageApr 12 – Apr 26
The WharfApr 7 – Apr 21
Central 14th Street / WMATA Northern Bus BarnApr 12 – Apr 26
Van NessApr 23 – May 7
Benning RoadApr 12 – Apr 26
HillcrestApr 12 – Apr 26

Showing the 30 most populous of 35 District of Columbia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all District of Columbia cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant sweet potatoes in District of Columbia?

In a typical District of Columbia location, plant outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 26. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Washington and as late as Apr 23 in Chevy Chase.

When is the last frost in District of Columbia?

The average last spring frost in District of Columbia ranges from March 24 in Washington to April 9 in Chevy Chase, 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 District of Columbia

When to plant sweet potatoes in other states

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