When to plant sweet potatoes in Arizona

Sweet potatoes
Plant out in Phoenix
Feb 15–Mar 1

Across Arizona the window opens between February 15 and June 25. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Plant out, Phoenix
Feb 15–Mar 1
Last sowing for a harvest
Aug 13
Last frost, Phoenix
Jan 8

Plant out 3–5 weeks after the last frost. Set out slips when the soil is warm, around 65°F. They need a long, hot season.

Sweet potatoes planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
PhoenixFeb 15–Mar 1
TucsonFeb 26–Mar 12
GilbertFeb 22–Mar 8
ChandlerMar 6–Mar 20
GlendaleFeb 15–Mar 1
ScottsdaleFeb 17–Mar 3
TempeMar 6–Mar 20
GoodyearFeb 15–Mar 1
San Tan ValleyFeb 22–Mar 8
AvondaleFeb 15–Mar 1
Queen CreekFeb 22–Mar 8
MaricopaMar 16–Mar 30
FlagstaffJun 25–Jul 9
Casas AdobesMar 19–Apr 2
Casa GrandeFeb 26–Mar 12
Lake Havasu CityFeb 15–Mar 1
Prescott ValleyMay 21–Jun 4
Catalina FoothillsMar 13–Mar 27
PrescottMay 21–Jun 4
Sierra VistaApr 26–May 10
Bullhead CityFeb 15–Mar 1
Sun CityFeb 15–Mar 1
KingmanApr 23–May 7
El MirageFeb 15–Mar 1
Fortuna FoothillsFeb 15–Mar 1
Drexel HeightsFeb 26–Mar 12
FlorenceFeb 20–Mar 6
Rio RicoMay 7–May 21

In Flagstaff the frost-free season is shorter than sweet potatoes need. Start plants indoors and pick early varieties.

Questions

When should I plant sweet potatoes in Arizona?

In Phoenix, plant out from February 15 to March 1. Across Arizona the window opens between February 15 and June 25, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant out 3–5 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

Is the season long enough for sweet potatoes everywhere in Arizona?

Not quite. In Flagstaff the frost-free season is shorter than the time sweet potatoes need to ripen. Start plants indoors and pick an early variety.

More for Arizona

Sweet potatoes in other states

Frost dates for every city in Arizona