When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Kentucky
In a typical Kentucky location, plant outdoors Apr 26 – May 10. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Louisville and as late as May 15 in Shelbyville.
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 |
|---|---|
| Louisville | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Lexington | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Lexington-Fayette | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Meads | May 6 – May 20 |
| Bowling Green | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Owensboro | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Covington | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Richmond | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Georgetown | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Florence | May 2 – May 16 |
| Hopkinsville | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Nicholasville | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Elizabethtown | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Henderson | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Frankfort | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Jeffersontown | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Independence | May 2 – May 16 |
| Paducah | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Valley Station | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Radcliff | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Ashland | May 6 – May 20 |
| Newburg | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Madisonville | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Murray | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Erlanger | May 2 – May 16 |
| Winchester | May 4 – May 18 |
| Fern Creek | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Saint Matthews | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Okolona | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Danville | Apr 23 – May 7 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sweet potatoes in Kentucky?
In a typical Kentucky location, plant outdoors Apr 26 – May 10. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Louisville and as late as May 15 in Shelbyville.
When is the last frost in Kentucky?
The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky
- 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