When to Plant Potatoes in Virginia
In a typical Virginia location, sow outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in Newport News and as late as Mar 29 in Radford.
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Potatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Norfolk | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Chesapeake | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Richmond | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Arlington | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Newport News | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Alexandria | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| East Hampton | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Hampton | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Roanoke | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Portsmouth Heights | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Portsmouth | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Suffolk | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| South Suffolk | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Lynchburg | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Centreville | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Dale City | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| West Lynchburg | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Reston | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Harrisonburg | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Leesburg | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| McLean | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Charlottesville | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Tuckahoe | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Blacksburg | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Ashburn | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Danville | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Manassas | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Lake Ridge | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Burke | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 118 Virginia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Virginia cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Virginia?
In a typical Virginia location, sow outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in Newport News and as late as Mar 29 in Radford.
When is the last frost in Virginia?
The average last spring frost in Virginia ranges from March 16 in Newport News to April 26 in Radford, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do potatoes take to grow?
Potatoes typically take 70–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Other Crops in Virginia
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant potatoes in other states