When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Nebraska

In a typical Nebraska location, plant outdoors May 8 – May 22. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 29 in Elkhorn and as late as May 25 in Alliance.

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
OmahaMay 2 – May 16
LincolnMay 8 – May 22
BellevueMay 1 – May 15
Grand IslandMay 7 – May 21
KearneyMay 14 – May 28
FremontMay 7 – May 21
HastingsMay 6 – May 20
NorfolkMay 14 – May 28
North PlatteMay 17 – May 31
ColumbusMay 5 – May 19
PapillionMay 1 – May 15
La VistaMay 1 – May 15
ScottsbluffMay 22 – Jun 5
South Sioux CityMay 13 – May 27
BeatriceMay 8 – May 22
ChalcoMay 5 – May 19
LexingtonMay 10 – May 24
AllianceMay 25 – Jun 8
GeringMay 22 – Jun 5
ElkhornApr 29 – May 13

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant sweet potatoes in Nebraska?

In a typical Nebraska location, plant outdoors May 8 – May 22. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 29 in Elkhorn and as late as May 25 in Alliance.

When is the last frost in Nebraska?

The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska

When to plant sweet potatoes in other states

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