When to plant sweet potatoes in Kentucky

Sweet potatoes
Plant out in Louisville/Jefferson County
Apr 27–May 11

Across Kentucky the window opens between April 23 and May 13. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Plant out, Louisville/Jefferson County
Apr 27–May 11
Last sowing for a harvest
Jun 20
Last frost, Louisville/Jefferson County
Apr 6

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
Louisville/Jefferson CountyApr 27–May 11
Lexington-FayetteMay 4–May 18
Bowling GreenApr 26–May 10
OwensboroApr 23–May 7
CovingtonMay 7–May 21
GeorgetownMay 9–May 23
RichmondMay 6–May 20
ElizabethtownMay 7–May 21
FlorenceMay 9–May 23
NicholasvilleMay 4–May 18
HopkinsvilleApr 25–May 9
IndependenceMay 9–May 23
JeffersontownApr 24–May 8
FrankfortMay 6–May 20
HendersonApr 30–May 14
PaducahApr 27–May 11
RadcliffMay 7–May 21
AshlandMay 13–May 27
ErlangerMay 9–May 23

Questions

When should I plant sweet potatoes in Kentucky?

In Louisville/Jefferson County, plant out from April 27 to May 11. Across Kentucky the window opens between April 23 and May 13, 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.

More for Kentucky

Sweet potatoes in other states

Frost dates for every city in Kentucky