When to Plant Basil in Delaware
In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 24 – Mar 3, then transplant outdoors Apr 14 – Apr 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Claymont and as late as Apr 26 in Hockessin.
Very frost/cold sensitive; start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost, transplant only after all danger of frost (1-2 weeks after) and nights stay warm.
Basil Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Dover | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Newark | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Middletown | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Bear | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Brookside | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Glasgow | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Hockessin | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Smyrna | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Pike Creek Valley | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Milford | Feb 28 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Claymont | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| North Star | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Pike Creek | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Wilmington Manor | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Seaford | Feb 28 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Georgetown | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Elsmere | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Edgemoor | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| New Castle | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Delaware cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Delaware cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in Delaware?
In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 24 – Mar 3, then transplant outdoors Apr 14 – Apr 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Claymont and as late as Apr 26 in Hockessin.
When is the last frost in Delaware?
The average last spring frost in Delaware ranges from March 30 in Claymont to April 19 in Hockessin, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do basil take to grow?
Basil typically take 50–70 days from planting to harvest. Very frost/cold sensitive; start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost, transplant only after all danger of frost (1-2 weeks after) and nights stay warm.
Other Crops in Delaware
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant basil in other states