When to plant sweet potato in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Transplant Feb 21 · First harvest May 22 · Wrap by Jun 12

Last spring frostJan 31

Transplant outFeb 21

First harvestMay 22

Last harvestJun 12

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Sweet Potato is frost-sensitive, so the 3w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost.

Common questions

How long does sweet potato take to grow in zone 10a?

Sweet Potato matures in about 90–120 days from transplanting. In zone 10a that means setting plants out around Feb 21 and first picking around May 22.

Will sweet potato survive frost in zone 10a?

No — sweet potato is frost-sensitive. In zone 10a, wait until after the last frost (around Jan 31) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full sweet potato growing guide →