When to plant sweet potatoes in North Dakota

Sweet potatoes
Plant out in Fargo
May 25–Jun 8

Across North Dakota the window opens between May 25 and June 11. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Plant out, Fargo
May 25–Jun 8
Last frost, Fargo
May 4

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
FargoMay 25–Jun 8
BismarckMay 31–Jun 14
Grand ForksMay 31–Jun 14
MinotMay 31–Jun 14
West FargoMay 25–Jun 8
WillistonJun 11–Jun 25
DickinsonJun 10–Jun 24
MandanJun 3–Jun 17

In Williston, Dickinson 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 North Dakota?

In Fargo, plant out from May 25 to June 8. Across North Dakota the window opens between May 25 and June 11, 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 North Dakota?

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

More for North Dakota

Sweet potatoes in other states

Frost dates for every city in North Dakota