When to plant popcorn in Virginia
Virginia spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant popcorn shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 16 in Norfolk to April 26 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 29 – April 12 |
| Chesapeake | 8a | March 23 | November 18 | March 23 – April 6 |
| Arlington | 7b | March 24 | November 18 | March 24 – April 7 |
| Norfolk | 8b | March 16 | November 26 | March 16 – March 30 |
| Richmond | 7b | April 3 | November 4 | April 3 – April 17 |
| Newport News | 8a | April 1 | November 9 | April 1 – April 15 |
| Alexandria | 8a | March 24 | November 18 | March 24 – April 7 |
| Hampton | 8b | March 24 | November 15 | March 24 – April 7 |
Popcorn in Virginia: FAQ
When can I plant popcorn in Virginia?
Across Virginia, the time to direct-sow popcorn spans roughly March 16 in Norfolk to April 26 in Radford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the popcorn planting date vary across Virginia?
Yes. Virginia publishes 127 cities with their own frost dates, so the right popcorn 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 popcorn take to grow in Virginia?
Popcorn takes about 90–120 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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