When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, plant outdoors May 5 – May 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 24 in Keokuk and as late as May 17 in Grinnell.
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 |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | May 2 – May 16 |
| Cedar Rapids | May 12 – May 26 |
| Davenport | May 3 – May 17 |
| Sioux City | May 13 – May 27 |
| Iowa City | May 5 – May 19 |
| Waterloo | May 11 – May 25 |
| Ames | May 10 – May 24 |
| West Des Moines | May 2 – May 16 |
| Council Bluffs | May 2 – May 16 |
| Dubuque | May 3 – May 17 |
| Ankeny | May 7 – May 21 |
| Urbandale | May 2 – May 16 |
| Cedar Falls | May 11 – May 25 |
| Marion | May 12 – May 26 |
| Bettendorf | May 3 – May 17 |
| Marshalltown | May 12 – May 26 |
| Mason City | May 13 – May 27 |
| Clinton | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Burlington | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Fort Dodge | May 12 – May 26 |
| Ottumwa | May 7 – May 21 |
| Muscatine | May 2 – May 16 |
| Johnston | May 3 – May 17 |
| Coralville | May 5 – May 19 |
| Waukee | May 3 – May 17 |
| Altoona | May 5 – May 19 |
| North Liberty | May 5 – May 19 |
| Indianola | May 8 – May 22 |
| Clive | May 2 – May 16 |
| Newton | May 6 – May 20 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sweet potatoes in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, plant outdoors May 5 – May 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 24 in Keokuk and as late as May 17 in Grinnell.
When is the last frost in Iowa?
The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa
- 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