When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Louisiana
In a typical Louisiana location, plant outdoors Mar 4 – Mar 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 7 in Metairie and as late as Mar 31 in Minden.
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 |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Baton Rouge | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Shreveport | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Metairie | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Lafayette | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Lake Charles | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Bossier City | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Kenner | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Monroe | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Alexandria | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Houma | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Marrero | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| New Iberia | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Laplace | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Central | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Slidell | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Prairieville | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Terrytown | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Ruston | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Hammond | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Harvey | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Sulphur | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Bayou Cane | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Shenandoah | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Natchitoches | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Gretna | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Chalmette | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Opelousas | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Zachary | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Estelle | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 66 Louisiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Louisiana cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sweet potatoes in Louisiana?
In a typical Louisiana location, plant outdoors Mar 4 – Mar 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 7 in Metairie and as late as Mar 31 in Minden.
When is the last frost in Louisiana?
The average last spring frost in Louisiana ranges from January 24 in Metairie to March 17 in Minden, 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 Louisiana
- 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