When to plant potato in Virginia
Virginia spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant potato shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about February 16 in Norfolk to March 29 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 1 – March 15 |
| Chesapeake | 8a | March 23 | November 18 | February 23 – March 9 |
| Arlington | 7b | March 24 | November 18 | February 24 – March 10 |
| Norfolk | 8b | March 16 | November 26 | February 16 – March 2 |
| Richmond | 7b | April 3 | November 4 | March 6 – March 20 |
| Newport News | 8a | April 1 | November 9 | March 4 – March 18 |
| Alexandria | 8a | March 24 | November 18 | February 24 – March 10 |
| Hampton | 8b | March 24 | November 15 | February 24 – March 10 |
Potato in Virginia: FAQ
When can I plant potato in Virginia?
Across Virginia, the time to direct-sow potato spans roughly February 16 in Norfolk to March 29 in Radford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the potato planting date vary across Virginia?
Yes. Virginia publishes 127 cities with their own frost dates, so the right potato 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 potato take to grow in Virginia?
Potato takes about 70–120 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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