Root Vegetable

When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Virginia

Not related to regular potatoes at all. Sweet potatoes need heat and a long growing season but reward with incredible harvests.

The Short Answer

Virginia's warm Piedmont and Tidewater regions grow sweet potatoes well — the state sits at the northern edge of reliable sweet potato country. The crop's love of heat makes it a strong performer during Virginia's warm summers.

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

Sweet Potatoes Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

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

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

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

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

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

Growing Sweet Potatoes in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Tidewater and southeast Virginia: plant slips from late April. Piedmont: plant from mid-May. Mountains: plant from late May — the season is tight. Virginia Tech Extension recommends sweet potatoes for the eastern half of the state. Sandy Tidewater soils are naturally suited. Piedmont clay needs raised mounds. Harvest before frost.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Beauregard and Covington. Virginia Cooperative Extension provides variety recommendations. For mountain Virginia, choose 90-day varieties only.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Sweet potato weevil is present but less common than in the Deep South. Cool mountain nights limit production. Deer browse vines. Voles tunnel under mulch.

Growing Tips

Grow from slips, not seeds. Start slips from a sweet potato in water 8 weeks before transplanting. Cure harvested tubers in warmth for 10 days.

Companion Planting

Plant sweet potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn

Keep sweet potatoes away from:

Squash

The Bottom Line

Sweet 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

Sweet Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia Sweet Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Sweet Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Sweet Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Sweet 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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