FrostCal

When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in South Dakota

In a typical South Dakota location, plant outdoors May 20 – Jun 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 10 in Tea and as late as May 26 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.

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
Sioux FallsMay 15 – May 29
Rapid CityMay 17 – May 31
AberdeenMay 22 – Jun 5
BrookingsMay 20 – Jun 3
WatertownMay 21 – Jun 4
MitchellMay 16 – May 30
YanktonMay 11 – May 25
PierreMay 20 – Jun 3
HuronMay 20 – Jun 3
SpearfishMay 26 – Jun 9
VermillionMay 17 – May 31
BrandonMay 15 – May 29
Box ElderMay 26 – Jun 9
Rapid ValleyMay 17 – May 31
Ellsworth Air Force BaseMay 26 – Jun 9
MadisonMay 19 – Jun 2
SturgisMay 22 – Jun 5
Belle FourcheMay 24 – Jun 7
HarrisburgMay 16 – May 30
TeaMay 10 – May 24

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant sweet potatoes in South Dakota?

In a typical South Dakota location, plant outdoors May 20 – Jun 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 10 in Tea and as late as May 26 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.

When is the last frost in South Dakota?

The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota

When to plant sweet potatoes in other states

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