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When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Ohio

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.

Ohio spans USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Sweet Potatoes planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar for Ohio

Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 – Sep 19
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 – Sep 11
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Sep 4

Growing Tips for Ohio

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Potatoes in Ohio?

Planting dates for Sweet Potatoes in Ohio depend on your USDA zone. Ohio spans zones 5b, 6a, 6b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Ohio for planting?

Ohio contains USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.