When to Plant Yam in Louisiana
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.
Louisiana spans USDA hardiness zones 9a, 9b (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 Louisiana
▸ Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 30 | Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | August 18 | Aug 18 – Dec 15 |
▸ Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 14 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Direct Sow | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 15 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Nov 29 |
Growing Tips for Louisiana
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
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- 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 Louisiana?
Planting dates for Yam in Louisiana depend on your USDA zone. Louisiana spans zones 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Louisiana for planting?
Louisiana contains USDA hardiness zones 9a, 9b. 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.