Yam Planting Guide
True yams are tropical tubers distinct from sweet potatoes, producing large starchy roots that can weigh several pounds. They are a staple food in tropical regions worldwide.
Dioscorea alata · Vegetable · Dioscoreaceae family · 180–330 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Yam Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Yam?
Yam Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Yam planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Aug 18 – Dec 15 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Aug 2 – Nov 29 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Direct Sow shows "—" because Yam benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Yam
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
5.5 – 6.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 9a – 12b
📅 Days to Maturity
180–330 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Dioscoreaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Dioscoreaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Yam to Grow
Yam takes 180–330 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Yam
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Yam
Plant tuber pieces in mounds of loose, rich soil. Provide sturdy trellising for climbing vines. Yams require a long, warm growing season of 8-11 months. Harvest when vines die back.
Saving Yam Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Yam by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Yam?
Yam (Dioscorea alata) takes 180 to 330 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Yam grow in?
Yam can be grown in USDA zones 9a through 12b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Yam need?
Growing Yam requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.