When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Pennsylvania
In a typical Pennsylvania location, plant outdoors May 4 – May 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Philadelphia and as late as May 29 in Hermitage.
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 |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Pittsburgh | May 8 – May 22 |
| Allentown | May 4 – May 18 |
| Erie | May 10 – May 24 |
| Reading | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Scranton | May 7 – May 21 |
| Bethlehem | May 4 – May 18 |
| Bensalem | May 5 – May 19 |
| Lancaster | May 3 – May 17 |
| Abington | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Levittown | May 5 – May 19 |
| Havertown | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harrisburg | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Altoona | May 9 – May 23 |
| York | May 10 – May 24 |
| State College | May 4 – May 18 |
| Wilkes-Barre | May 7 – May 21 |
| Norristown | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Chester | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Mount Lebanon | May 2 – May 16 |
| Bethel Park | May 2 – May 16 |
| Wayne | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Radnor | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Williamsport | May 9 – May 23 |
| Monroeville | May 6 – May 20 |
| Cranberry Township | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Drexel Hill | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Plum | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Back Mountain | May 7 – May 21 |
| Easton | May 2 – May 16 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 121 Pennsylvania cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Pennsylvania cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sweet potatoes in Pennsylvania?
In a typical Pennsylvania location, plant outdoors May 4 – May 18. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Philadelphia and as late as May 29 in Hermitage.
When is the last frost in Pennsylvania?
The average last spring frost in Pennsylvania ranges from March 30 in Philadelphia to May 15 in Hermitage, 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 Pennsylvania
- 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