Growing potatoes in Virginia is a rewarding experience, as the state has an ideal climate for cultivating this popular vegetable. Potatoes need full sun, well-drained soil, and adequate water to thrive; Virginia’s warm climate and moderate rainfall provide the perfect conditions for growing potatoes. The best time to plant potatoes in Virginia is in the spring, shortly after the last frost.
Potatoes require a minimum of four months for a full harvest, so it’s important to plan accordingly. When planting, it’s best to space the potatoes at least 12 inches apart and six to eight inches deep. Proper care is essential for a successful harvest, so be sure to keep the soil moist and weed regularly to ensure the potatoes receive the nutrients they need. With a little bit of effort, Virginia gardeners can enjoy a delicious crop of potatoes!
Virginia’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Virginia is known for its diverse climate and growing conditions, which vary depending on the region of the state. In the western part of the state, which lies in growing zones 5a through 8a, the climate is generally mild, with cold winters and hot summers. Winters are usually cold and snowy, and temperatures average between 20-45 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are usually hot and humid, and temperatures can reach upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The region also experiences plenty of rainfall throughout the year, with an average of 40-50 inches annually. In zone 5a, which is located in the westernmost part of the state, the climate is the coldest, with temperatures often dropping below 0 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months.
Zone 6a has slightly warmer winters, with temperatures averaging between -10 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit, while zone 7a has the warmest temperatures, reaching a high of 35 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months. Finally, zone 8a has the warmest temperatures of all, with an average high of 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Virginia, it is important to be mindful of the variety’s days to harvest and the length of time you have before you want to harvest them.
Early-season varieties such as ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Red Norland’ have fewer days to harvest and should be planted as soon as possible for harvesting in late summer.
Mid-season varieties such as ‘Russet Burbank’ and ‘Kennebec’ have more days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in fall.
Late-season varieties such as ‘Cara Russet’ and ‘All Blue’ have the most days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in early winter. Be sure to select varieties with the right number of days to harvest for your intended harvest date. Some good potato varieties for Virginia include:
- Russet Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 90-110 days
- Red Potatoes: 80-90 days
- Purple Potatoes: 90-110 days
- Fingerling Potatoes: 90-120 days
- Sweet Potatoes: 90-120 days
- White Potatoes: 90-100 days
- All-Blue Potatoes: 95-105 days
- Yellow Finn Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Kennebec Potatoes: 85-95 days
When To Plant Potatoes In Virginia
In Virginia, potatoes should be planted in late March or early April, after the last expected frost and when the soil temperature reaches at least 40°F. Make sure to wait until the soil is dry enough to be worked on, as wet soil can lead to increased levels of disease. Plant your potatoes in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. If the soil is too sandy, be sure to add plenty of compost or other organic matter to improve water retention.
Planting dates for Potatoes in Virginia are:
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
- Zone 8: Around March 14th
How To Plant Potatoes In Virginia
Begin the planting process for seed potatoes by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 inches and incorporating organic compost. Once you have done this, find a sunny location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and place the seed potatoes.
Plant the seed potatoes with the “eyes” facing upward, leaving a distance of 8 to 10 inches in between each. Cover the seed potatoes with a layer of soil that is 3-4 inches thick, and make sure to water them adequately. As the potatoes start to sprout, add more soil to the rows to keep them adequately buried.
Water the potatoes on a regular basis and remove any weeds from the area. For those living in hot and dry climates, you may want to cover the soil around the potatoes with straw, although this is not essential.
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plants is pretty easy – they’re incredibly hardy and generally no-fuss. Potato plants need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They should be watered deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing is also important for optimal growth. Potato plants need a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This should be applied every four to six weeks, depending on the soil’s nutrient content.
It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist, as potatoes do not tolerate dry or waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the potato plants can help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
When To Harvest Potatoes In Virginia
There are two sure ways to know your potatoes are about ready to harvest! The first is counting backward from your current date to their planting date. Potato varieties have an approximate number of days to harvest, so consult the days to harvest for the particular variety of potatoes you’ve planted. If you aren’t sure, assume it’s around 100 days.
The appearance of your potato plants is another dead giveaway. You will know your potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die back. Your plants will go through an entire flowering cycle, which is nice because the flowers are really beautiful.
Allow the soil around the plants to dry before harvesting, but don’t allow it to be dry for too long. Once harvested, inspect the potatoes carefully- they should be firm and free of green or soft spots.
Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the potatoes in the process. Once the potatoes have all been dug up, brush off any excess soil and inspect them for any damage. Discard any potatoes that are damaged, as these are not suitable for long-term storage.
Finally, gently place the potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark area for storage. It is important to only store undamaged potatoes, as damaged potatoes can quickly rot.
