When to plant sweet potatoes in Iowa

Plant out in Des Moines

May 9–May 23

Across Iowa the window opens between May 6 and May 20. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

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

Des MoinesMay 9–May 23

Cedar RapidsMay 18–Jun 1

DavenportMay 10–May 24

Sioux CityMay 20–Jun 3

AnkenyMay 14–May 28

Iowa CityMay 12–May 26

AmesMay 17–May 31

WaterlooMay 18–Jun 1

DubuqueMay 10–May 24

UrbandaleMay 10–May 24

MarionMay 19–Jun 2

Cedar FallsMay 18–Jun 1

BettendorfMay 7–May 21

WaukeeMay 9–May 23

MarshalltownMay 19–Jun 2

Mason CityMay 20–Jun 3

OttumwaMay 14–May 28

JohnstonMay 10–May 24

Fort DodgeMay 19–Jun 2

ClintonMay 13–May 27

CoralvilleMay 12–May 26

BurlingtonMay 6–May 20

MuscatineMay 15–May 29

AltoonaMay 14–May 28

North LibertyMay 12–May 26

When should I plant sweet potatoes in Iowa?

In Des Moines, plant out from May 9 to May 23. Across Iowa the window opens between May 6 and May 20, 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.