When to plant pumpkin in Virginia
Virginia spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant pumpkin shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 30 in Norfolk to May 10 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 | April 12 – April 26 |
| Chesapeake | 8a | March 23 | November 18 | April 6 – April 20 |
| Arlington | 7b | March 24 | November 18 | April 7 – April 21 |
| Norfolk | 8b | March 16 | November 26 | March 30 – April 13 |
| Richmond | 7b | April 3 | November 4 | April 17 – May 1 |
| Newport News | 8a | April 1 | November 9 | April 15 – April 29 |
| Alexandria | 8a | March 24 | November 18 | April 7 – April 21 |
| Hampton | 8b | March 24 | November 15 | April 7 – April 21 |
Pumpkin in Virginia: FAQ
When can I plant pumpkin in Virginia?
Across Virginia, the time to direct-sow pumpkin spans roughly March 30 in Norfolk to May 10 in Radford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pumpkin planting date vary across Virginia?
Yes. Virginia publishes 127 cities with their own frost dates, so the right pumpkin 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 pumpkin take to grow in Virginia?
Pumpkin takes about 90–110 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
Never miss a window in your area
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to your frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.