When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Tennessee
In a typical Tennessee location, plant outdoors Apr 20 – May 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 30 in New South Memphis and as late as May 5 in Bristol.
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 |
|---|---|
| Nashville | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| New South Memphis | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Memphis | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Knoxville | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Chattanooga | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Clarksville | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Murfreesboro | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| East Chattanooga | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Franklin | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Cordova | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Jackson | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Johnson City | May 3 – May 17 |
| Bartlett | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Hendersonville | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Kingsport | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Collierville | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Smyrna | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Cleveland | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Brentwood | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Germantown | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Hermitage | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Columbia | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Spring Hill | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| La Vergne | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Gallatin | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Cookeville | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Mount Juliet | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Lebanon | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Morristown | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Oak Ridge | Apr 19 – May 3 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 70 Tennessee cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Tennessee cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant sweet potatoes in Tennessee?
In a typical Tennessee location, plant outdoors Apr 20 – May 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 30 in New South Memphis and as late as May 5 in Bristol.
When is the last frost in Tennessee?
The average last spring frost in Tennessee ranges from March 16 in New South Memphis to April 21 in Bristol, 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 Tennessee
- 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