When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Virginia
In a typical Virginia location, plant outdoors Apr 25 – May 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 30 in Newport News and as late as May 10 in Radford.
Set out slips 2-4 weeks after last frost once soil is thoroughly warm (65F+); very frost/cold sensitive.
Sweet Potatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Plant outdoors |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Norfolk | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Chesapeake | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Richmond | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Arlington | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Newport News | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Alexandria | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| East Hampton | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Hampton | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Roanoke | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Portsmouth Heights | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Portsmouth | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Suffolk | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| South Suffolk | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Lynchburg | May 1 – May 15 |
| Centreville | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Dale City | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| West Lynchburg | May 1 – May 15 |
| Reston | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Harrisonburg | May 5 – May 19 |
| Leesburg | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| McLean | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Charlottesville | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Tuckahoe | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Blacksburg | May 8 – May 22 |
| Ashburn | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Danville | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Manassas | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Lake Ridge | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Burke | Apr 28 – May 12 |
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 sweet potatoes in Virginia?
In a typical Virginia location, plant outdoors Apr 25 – May 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 30 in Newport News and as late as May 10 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 sweet potatoes take to grow?
Sweet Potatoes typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Set out slips 2-4 weeks after last frost once soil is thoroughly warm (65F+); very frost/cold sensitive.
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
- Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant sweet potatoes in other states