Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Virginia

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

Virginia's moderate climate supports excellent potato production, with the state's Eastern Shore having a long commercial potato-growing tradition. Home gardeners throughout the Piedmont and mountains also grow potatoes successfully.

Virginia Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Virginia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountain Virginia 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont/Central Virginia 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Tidewater/Coastal 7b, 8a Mar 20 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 10

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Piedmont/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 20 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 10

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: plant from mid-March. Piedmont: plant from late February to early March. Eastern Shore/Tidewater: plant from mid-February. Virginia Tech Extension recommends certified seed potatoes and acidic soil maintenance (pH 5.0-5.5). In Piedmont clay, hill with amended soil. Coastal sandy soils grow potatoes well with compost for moisture and nutrients.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Kennebec and Yukon Gold for general growing. Red Pontiac for new potatoes. Red LaSoda for warm-climate reliability. Virginia Cooperative Extension provides variety recommendations.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Late blight during humid springs. Colorado potato beetle. Scab in alkaline soils. Deer and groundhogs can damage foliage and unearth tubers.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be grown successfully in Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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