State growing guide
Delaware Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7a/7b · Last frost Apr 1 · First frost Nov 5 · 217 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Delaware.
Frost Dates by City — Delaware
Average frost dates for major Delaware cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | 7a | Apr 5 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
| Dover | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Rehoboth Beach | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 20 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Delaware Gardeners
- Transplant tomatoes in late April to early May
- Coastal areas of Delaware can go out 2 weeks earlier
- Sandy Coastal Plain soil warms quickly but dries fast — mulch heavily
Common Challenges in Delaware
- ⚠ High humidity promotes fungal disease on tomatoes
- ⚠ Deer pressure is very high in Delaware suburbs
Best Crops for Delaware
Tomatoes Peppers Cucumbers Beans Sweet Corn Lettuce Kale Beets
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Delaware
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Delaware Gardening
What zone is Delaware?
Delaware is primarily Zone 7a, with coastal areas being Zone 7b. Last frost dates run from late March near the coast to early April inland.