When to plant orach in Virginia
Virginia spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant orach shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 2 in Norfolk to April 12 in Radford — below are local dates for 127 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 8b | March 29 | November 12 | March 15 – April 12 |
| Chesapeake | 8a | March 23 | November 18 | March 9 – April 6 |
| Arlington | 7b | March 24 | November 18 | March 10 – April 7 |
| Norfolk | 8b | March 16 | November 26 | March 2 – March 30 |
| Richmond | 7b | April 3 | November 4 | March 20 – April 17 |
| Newport News | 8a | April 1 | November 9 | March 18 – April 15 |
| Alexandria | 8a | March 24 | November 18 | March 10 – April 7 |
| Hampton | 8b | March 24 | November 15 | March 10 – April 7 |
Orach in Virginia: FAQ
When can I plant orach in Virginia?
Across Virginia, the time to direct-sow orach spans roughly March 2 in Norfolk to April 12 in Radford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the orach planting date vary across Virginia?
Yes. Virginia publishes 127 cities with their own frost dates, so the right orach planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does orach take to grow in Virginia?
Orach takes about 40–60 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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