When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Missouri

In a typical Missouri location, plant outdoors Apr 22 – May 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 9 in Sikeston and as late as May 5 in Kirksville.

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
Kansas CityApr 18 – May 2
St. LouisApr 15 – Apr 29
SpringfieldApr 18 – May 2
ColumbiaApr 19 – May 3
IndependenceApr 24 – May 8
Lee's SummitApr 27 – May 11
O'FallonApr 23 – May 7
Saint JosephMay 3 – May 17
Saint CharlesApr 22 – May 6
Blue SpringsApr 21 – May 5
Saint PetersApr 23 – May 7
FlorissantApr 16 – Apr 30
JoplinApr 23 – May 7
ChesterfieldApr 18 – May 2
Jefferson CityApr 22 – May 6
Cape GirardeauApr 19 – May 3
OakvilleApr 20 – May 4
WildwoodApr 26 – May 10
WentzvilleApr 24 – May 8
University CityApr 15 – Apr 29
BallwinApr 18 – May 2
LibertyMay 3 – May 17
RaytownApr 24 – May 8
MehlvilleApr 20 – May 4
KirkwoodApr 15 – Apr 29
Maryland HeightsApr 16 – Apr 30
GladstoneApr 18 – May 2
HazelwoodApr 16 – Apr 30
GrandviewApr 21 – May 5
Webster GrovesApr 15 – Apr 29

Showing the 30 most populous of 90 Missouri cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Missouri cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant sweet potatoes in Missouri?

In a typical Missouri location, plant outdoors Apr 22 – May 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 9 in Sikeston and as late as May 5 in Kirksville.

When is the last frost in Missouri?

The average last spring frost in Missouri ranges from March 26 in Sikeston to April 21 in Kirksville, 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 Missouri

When to plant sweet potatoes in other states

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