When to Plant Black Beans in Prince Edward County, VA
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Prince Edward County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 592 feet, Prince Edward County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.
Prince Edward County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Prince Edward County, VA
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Prince Edward County
Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Prince Edward County, VA?
Prince Edward County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Prince Edward County, VA?
Prince Edward County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Prince Edward County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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