Root Vegetable

When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in North Carolina

Not related to regular potatoes at all. Sweet potatoes need heat and a long growing season but reward with incredible harvests.

The Short Answer

North Carolina is the #1 sweet potato producing state in America — the sandy soils of the eastern coastal plain grow more sweet potatoes than any other state. Home gardeners benefit from NC State's unparalleled sweet potato research program and the availability of locally adapted varieties.

North Carolina Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of North Carolina you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountains 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Coastal Plain 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Sweet Potatoes Planting Schedule for North Carolina

Mountains (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

Piedmont (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

Coastal Plain (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

Growing Sweet Potatoes in North Carolina

State-Specific Growing Tips

Piedmont: plant slips from mid-May. Coastal plain: plant from late April. Mountains: plant from late May — the short season is challenging. NC State Extension provides the most comprehensive sweet potato growing guide of any state extension service. Sandy coastal soils are ideal. Piedmont clay needs raised mounds. Harvest 90-120 days after planting before first frost.

Recommended Varieties for North Carolina

Covington (developed by NC State — it's the most widely planted sweet potato variety in America). Beauregard. NC State regularly releases new varieties — check their variety trial reports for the latest recommendations.

Common Challenges in North Carolina

Sweet potato weevil in the coastal plain. Wireworms. Scurf (cosmetic skin disease). NC State's research addresses these challenges with resistant varieties and cultural practices.

Growing Tips

Grow from slips, not seeds. Start slips from a sweet potato in water 8 weeks before transplanting. Cure harvested tubers in warmth for 10 days.

Companion Planting

Plant sweet potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn

Keep sweet potatoes away from:

Squash

The Bottom Line

Sweet Potatoes can be grown successfully in North Carolina with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 25 - May 15, while Coastal Plain sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Sweet Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states North Carolina Planting Calendar All plants for North Carolina Sweet Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Sweet Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Sweet Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Sweet Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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