When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Michigan

In a typical Michigan location, plant outdoors May 14 – May 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Port Huron and as late as Jun 2 in Cadillac.

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
DetroitMay 5 – May 19
Grand RapidsMay 20 – Jun 3
WarrenMay 5 – May 19
Sterling HeightsMay 14 – May 28
Ann ArborMay 19 – Jun 2
LansingMay 15 – May 29
Clinton TownshipMay 14 – May 28
FlintMay 20 – Jun 3
DearbornMay 11 – May 25
LivoniaMay 15 – May 29
CantonMay 8 – May 22
TroyMay 10 – May 24
WestlandMay 4 – May 18
Farmington HillsMay 15 – May 29
KalamazooMay 12 – May 26
WaterfordMay 13 – May 27
WyomingMay 20 – Jun 3
ShelbyMay 10 – May 24
Rochester HillsMay 10 – May 24
SouthfieldMay 15 – May 29
West Bloomfield TownshipMay 13 – May 27
TaylorMay 4 – May 18
PontiacMay 10 – May 24
Saint Clair ShoresMay 13 – May 27
Royal OakMay 5 – May 19
NoviMay 15 – May 29
Dearborn HeightsMay 15 – May 29
Battle CreekMay 14 – May 28
KentwoodMay 20 – Jun 3
RedfordMay 15 – May 29

Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant sweet potatoes in Michigan?

In a typical Michigan location, plant outdoors May 14 – May 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Port Huron and as late as Jun 2 in Cadillac.

When is the last frost in Michigan?

The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan

When to plant sweet potatoes in other states

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