When to Plant Common Bean in Virginia
Direct Sow Outdoors
Friday, April 10, 2026
State
Virginia
USDA Zones
6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Avg Last Frost
Friday, April 10, 2026
Cities Covered
836
Virginia Planting Schedule by Zone
Virginia spans 6 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
| 6b | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 |
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, April 10, 2026 |
| 7b | Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| 8a | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, March 15, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Common Bean in Virginia: Complete Guide
Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Virginia, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, April 10, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Virginia stretches across 6 USDA hardiness zones (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 65 days to maturity, Common Bean fits comfortably within Virginia's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Common Bean requires full sun (6-8 hours) and regular (1 inch/week) moisture. Most of Virginia receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Common Bean in Virginia?
In Virginia, direct sow Common Bean outdoors around Friday, April 10, 2026. Virginia spans zones 6a–8b, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Virginia?
Virginia spans 6 USDA zones (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), so last frost dates vary by region. Hinton, Blue Grass, Doe Hill (6a) sees frost until around Monday, April 20, 2026, while Capeville, Carrollton, Rescue (8b) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Common Bean take to grow in Virginia?
Common Bean takes about 65 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Virginia's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Virginia cover for Common Bean?
Virginia includes zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Common Bean grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.