If you’re a gardener in North Florida, knowing when to plant sweet potatoes is the key to a successful harvest. This guide covers the optimal timing for planting and all the steps you need for a great crop.
Sweet potatoes are a perfect warm-weather crop for our region. They thrive in the heat and can produce a generous yield with minimal fuss. Getting the timing right protects your plants from cold and gives them the long, warm growing season they need.
When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in North Florida
For North Florida, the optimal planting window is from late March through early June. The most critical factor is soil temperature, not just the date on the calendar.
You should plant your slips only after the danger of frost has completely passed and the soil has warmed up consistently. A good rule of thumb is to wait until soil temperatures are reliably above 65°F, but 70°F or higher is even better for rapid growth.
Why Timing is So Important
Planting too early in cold, damp soil will stunt your slips or cause them to rot. Sweet potatoes simply won’t grow until the soil is warm. Planting too late, on the other hand, shortens the growing season. This can result in smaller tubers, especially for longer-season varieties.
Aim for that sweet spot in late spring. This gives the vines plenty of time to establish and produce a large harvest before the cooler fall weather arrives.
Regional Considerations in North Florida
North Florida’s climate can vary. Gardeners in the western Panhandle (Zones 8b) should lean toward the later end of the window, typically from mid-April onward. Those in central North Florida (Zones 9a) can often start a bit earlier, in late March or early April.
Always use a soil thermometer to check conditions in your specific garden. Microclimates matter!
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Sweet potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil. They need room for their roots to expand easily into tubers.
- Location: Choose a spot that gets full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours daily.
- Soil: Work the soil deeply, breaking up any hardpan. Raised beds or mounded rows are excellent for improving drainage.
- Fertility: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy vines instead of roots. Mix in compost and a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer or one formulated for root crops before planting.
- pH: They prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.
Choosing and Sourcing Slips
You don’t plant sweet potatoes from seeds, but from “slips,” which are small rooted sprouts. You can buy them from local nurseries or online suppliers, or grow your own from a organic sweet potato.
Look for varieties that perform well in the South, such as ‘Beauregard’, ‘Georgia Jet’, or ‘Centennial’. These are tried and true for our climate.
How to Plant Your Slips Correctly
- Plant on a cloudy day or in the evening to reduce transplant shock.
- Space slips 12 to 18 inches apart within rows, with rows 3 to 4 feet apart.
- Bury the slip deep, so that only the top leaves are above the soil. This encourages root development along the buried stem.
- Water them in thoroughly right after planting.
Caring for Your Growing Sweet Potatoes
Once established, sweet potatoes are relatively low-maintenance.
- Watering: Water regularly for the first few weeks. Once vines begin to run, you can reduce watering. They are drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture (about 1 inch per week) is best for even tuber development. Stop watering about 3-4 weeks before harvest to let the tubers cure in the ground.
- Weeding: Weed carefully early on. Once the vines spread and create a dense canopy, they will shade out most weeds on there own.
- Fertilizing: Side-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer about 4-6 weeks after planting if needed. Don’t over-fertilize!
When and How to Harvest
Your sweet potatoes will be ready to harvest about 90 to 120 days after planting, usually from late August through October.
Watch for signs: the leaves and vines will start to yellow. The most important step is to harvest before the first fall frost, as cold damage can ruin the tubers.
- Use a garden fork to carefully loosen the soil about 18 inches away from the main stem.
- Lift the entire plant, trying not to bruise or pierce the sweet potatoes.
- Handle them gently, as the skin is very thin at harvest.
Curing and Storage for Longevity
This step is non-negotiable for good flavor and storage life. Curing heals wounds and converts starches to sugars.
- Brush off excess soil—do not wash them.
- Place them in a warm (80-85°F), humid (85-90%) location for 10 to 14 days. A shaded porch or a warm room with a humidifier can work.
- After curing, store your sweet potatoes in a cool (55-60°F), dry, and well-ventilated place. Properly cured, they can last for several months.
Common Pests and Problems
Thankfully, sweet potatoes have few major pests in North Florida. The most common issues include:
- Sweet Potato Weevils: A serious pest. Use certified pest-free slips and practice crop rotation. Destroy infected plants immediately.
- Root-Knot Nematodes: These can cause knobby, damaged tubers. Rotate crops and choose resistant varieties if nematodes are a known problem in your soil.
- Deer and Rabbits: They may munch on the young vines. A short fence is often the best deterrent.
FAQ: Your North Florida Sweet Potato Questions
Can I plant sweet potatoes from the grocery store?
It’s possible, but not recommended. Store-bought potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases. It’s safer to buy certified disease-free slips from a garden supplier.
What is the latest I can plant sweet potatoes in North Florida?
Early June is generally the latest safe planting date for most varieties. This ensures they have enough warm days to mature properly before the cooler nights of late fall.
How do I know if my soil is warm enough?
Use a soil thermometer! Check the temperature at a 4-inch depth in the morning for several consecutive days. When it holds steady above 65°F, you’re good to go. If you don’t have one, a general sign is when nighttime air temperatures stay above 60°F.
Should I use black plastic mulch?
Black plastic mulch is a fantastic tool for North Florida gardeners. It warms the soil faster in spring, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds. It can help you plant a little earlier and improve your overall yield.
By following this timing and care guide, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting a plentiful supply of homegrown sweet potatoes. The wait from planting to harvest is well worth the reward of digging up your own nutritious, delicious tubers come autumn.