FrostCal

When to Plant Broccoli in Delaware

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3, then transplant outdoors Mar 17 – Mar 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 9 in Claymont and as late as Mar 29 in Hockessin. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 31 – Sep 7.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 55–80 days

Start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost; transplant out 2-3 weeks before last frost (hardens off to light frost).

Broccoli Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplantFall planting
WilmingtonFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Sep 2 – Sep 9
DoverFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 14 – Mar 21Sep 2 – Sep 9
NewarkFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 31 – Sep 7
MiddletownFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 31 – Sep 7
BearFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 30 – Sep 6
BrooksideFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 31 – Sep 7
GlasgowFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 31 – Sep 7
HockessinMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 5Aug 24 – Aug 31
SmyrnaFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 14 – Mar 21Sep 2 – Sep 9
Pike Creek ValleyFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 31 – Sep 7
MilfordFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 21 – Mar 28Aug 28 – Sep 4
ClaymontFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 9 – Mar 16Sep 14 – Sep 21
North StarFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 31 – Sep 7
Pike CreekFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 31 – Sep 7
Wilmington ManorFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 30 – Sep 6
SeafordFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 21 – Mar 28Aug 28 – Sep 4
GeorgetownFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 14 – Mar 21Sep 4 – Sep 11
ElsmereFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Sep 2 – Sep 9
EdgemoorFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Sep 2 – Sep 9
New CastleFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 17 – Mar 24Aug 30 – Sep 6

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 broccoli in Delaware?

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3, then transplant outdoors Mar 17 – Mar 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 9 in Claymont and as late as Mar 29 in Hockessin. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 31 – Sep 7.

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 broccoli take to grow?

Broccoli typically take 55–80 days from planting to harvest. Start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost; transplant out 2-3 weeks before last frost (hardens off to light frost).

Other Crops in Delaware

When to plant broccoli in other states

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