When to plant sweet potatoes in Columbus, Ohio
May 4 – May 18
Transplant outdoors · typical Columbus yearClimate basis: NOAA station Columbus Wcmh, OH (USC00331785), 4 mi (7 km) from downtown Columbus (ZCTA 43215 centroid), elevation 740 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Plant sweet potato slips from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 20). One year in ten still freezes after May 7.
The Columbus year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 7
Every method, with its sources
Transplant outdoors
May 4 – May 18Purdue: very tender (vegetatively propagated) — plant slips at least two weeks after the average last frost. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 20). Purdue University Extension
Start seeds indoors
Not calculatedThe cited extension guides do not time an indoor seed-starting window for this crop.
Direct-sow outdoors
Not calculatedSweet potatoes are grown from slips, not seed.
Fall planting
Not calculatedNo source-backed fall planting rule exists for this crop in the registry, so no fall window is calculated.
Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 100–120 days of warm weather from slips).
These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.
Crop rule sources (1)
- Purdue University Extension: Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W) (accessed 2026-07-24)Hardiness classes: hardy = plant 4-6 wk before last spring frost; semi-hardy = 2-4 wk before; tender = after average last frost; very tender = at least 2 wk after. Table 2: fall planting at least 4-8 wk before first fall frost.