When to Plant Yam in Hawaii
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.
Hawaii spans USDA hardiness zones 11a, 11b (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 Yam planting dates based on your local frost dates.
Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.
Yam Planting Calendar for Hawaii
▸ Zone 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | November 20 | Nov 20 – Dec 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 22 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 |
▸ Zone 11b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | November 20 | Nov 20 – Dec 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 22 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 |
Growing Tips for Hawaii
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.
Yam in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- 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
When should I plant Yam in Hawaii?
Planting dates for Yam in Hawaii depend on your USDA zone. Hawaii spans zones 11a, 11b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Hawaii for planting?
Hawaii contains USDA hardiness zones 11a, 11b. 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.