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When to Plant Sweet Potato in Portsmouth, Virginia (23708)

Location

Portsmouth, Virginia

ZIP Code

23708

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Direct Sow Outdoors Sunday, March 15, 2026

Pro Tip: Sow Sweet Potato directly outdoors around your last frost date when soil starts to warm.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Ipomoea batatas
Days to Maturity 100 days
Mature Height 12-18"
Spread 36"
Type Vine
Fruit Size Medium-Large (6-12 oz per root)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (8+ hours)

💧

Water

Moderate (reduce as harvest approaches)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

4" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Sweet Potato in Portsmouth?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, March 15, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

OkraDillThyme

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

SquashSunflower

Other Plants for Portsmouth

Growing Sweet Potato in Zone 8b

Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a popular garden vegetable. In Portsmouth, Virginia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Sweet Potato grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.