FrostCal

When to Plant Cantaloupe in Delaware

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Mar 10 – Mar 17, then transplant outdoors Apr 21 – Apr 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Claymont and as late as May 3 in Hockessin.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 70–90 days

Same warm-soil requirements as watermelon; avoid disturbing roots when transplanting.

Cantaloupe Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
WilmingtonMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
DoverMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 18 – Apr 25
NewarkMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
MiddletownMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
BearMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
BrooksideMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
GlasgowMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
HockessinMar 22 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
SmyrnaMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 18 – Apr 25
Pike Creek ValleyMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
MilfordMar 14 – Mar 21Apr 25 – May 2
ClaymontMar 2 – Mar 9Apr 13 – Apr 20
North StarMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
Pike CreekMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
Wilmington ManorMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
SeafordMar 14 – Mar 21Apr 25 – May 2
GeorgetownMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 18 – Apr 25
ElsmereMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
EdgemoorMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28
New CastleMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 21 – Apr 28

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 cantaloupe in Delaware?

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Mar 10 – Mar 17, then transplant outdoors Apr 21 – Apr 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Claymont and as late as May 3 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 cantaloupe take to grow?

Cantaloupe typically take 70–90 days from planting to harvest. Same warm-soil requirements as watermelon; avoid disturbing roots when transplanting.

Other Crops in Delaware

When to plant cantaloupe in other states

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