Delaware Planting Guide & Growing Season
Delaware is in USDA hardiness zone 7a-7b with a growing season of 195 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 10 and the average first fall frost is Oct 20. Climate data based on Dover.
Growing Conditions in Delaware
How Delaware Compares
Compare Delaware's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (DE) | 7a-7b | Apr 10 | Oct 20 | 195 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Delaware
When should I start seeds indoors in Delaware?
In Delaware, the average last frost date is Apr 10. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Delaware is 7a-7b, with a growing season of approximately 195 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Delaware?
Delaware falls in USDA hardiness zones 7a-7b. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Delaware?
The average first frost date in Delaware is Oct 20. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Delaware?
Delaware has an average growing season of 195 days, from the last frost (Apr 10) to first frost (Oct 20). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.