Sweet potatoes planting calendar for USDA Zone 6a

Western NC mountains, southern PA, central OH, northern MO. Average last spring frost May 1, first fall frost October 1 — a 153-day frost-free season.

Zone fit: challenging

Sweet potatoes needs a long season and this zone averages just 153 frost-free days. Start early, use black plastic, and plan for row cover on shoulder-season frosts.

Key dates

Start seeds indoors

March 13 – March 27

Transplant outdoors

May 15 – June 5

Expected first harvest

August 30 – September 27

Windows are calculated from your zone's average frost dates. Adjust ±1 week for microclimates, elevation, and your own frost records.

Spacing and soil

Plant spacing: 12″
Row spacing: 42″
Seed depth: 4″
Soil temperature: 75–90°F
Frost tolerance: tender
Days to harvest: 100 days

Grower notes for Zone 6a

Set slips on 6–8 inch hills for better tuber shape. Cure at 85°F and 85% humidity for 7–10 days after harvest.

Plant near: beans, peas

Keep away from: squash

Other root crops for Zone 6a

Same crop, other zones

Track your own plantings

BAU Farm Intelligence turns these windows into per-field tasks — indoor seed-start reminders, transplant dates, harvest projections — using your farm's actual frost history.

Join the pilot Browse resources