When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Peoria County, IL
Sweet potatoes are a warm-season root crop that produces nutritious, sweet tubers in orange, white, and purple varieties. They need a long, hot growing season.
Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 884 feet, Peoria County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Potatoes during the growing season.
Peoria County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Sweet Potatoes Planting Timeline — Peoria County, IL
Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
172 days
Growing Tips for Peoria County
Plant slips (rooted sprouts) after soil is thoroughly warm. Build raised mounds for better root development. Cure harvested roots at 80-85F for 10 days to develop sweetness.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Sweet Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Potatoes in Peoria County, IL?
Peoria County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Peoria County, IL?
Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Peoria County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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