When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Illinois
In a typical Illinois location, plant outdoors May 4 – May 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Granite City and as late as May 15 in Roscoe.
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 |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Aurora | May 3 – May 17 |
| Rockford | May 8 – May 22 |
| Joliet | May 3 – May 17 |
| Naperville | May 12 – May 26 |
| Peoria | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Springfield | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| North Peoria | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Elgin | May 10 – May 24 |
| Waukegan | May 14 – May 28 |
| Champaign | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Cicero | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Bloomington | May 5 – May 19 |
| Arlington Heights | May 3 – May 17 |
| Evanston | May 10 – May 24 |
| Schaumburg | May 14 – May 28 |
| Bolingbrook | May 4 – May 18 |
| Decatur | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Palatine | May 9 – May 23 |
| Skokie | May 10 – May 24 |
| Des Plaines | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Orland Park | May 3 – May 17 |
| Tinley Park | May 7 – May 21 |
| Oak Lawn | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Berwyn | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Mount Prospect | May 3 – May 17 |
| Normal | May 9 – May 23 |
| Wheaton | May 12 – May 26 |
| Oak Park | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Hoffman Estates | May 14 – May 28 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sweet potatoes in Illinois?
In a typical Illinois location, plant outdoors May 4 – May 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Granite City and as late as May 15 in Roscoe.
When is the last frost in Illinois?
The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, 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 Illinois
- 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