FrostCal

When to Plant Cauliflower in Delaware

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3, then transplant outdoors Mar 24 – Mar 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 16 in Claymont and as late as Apr 5 in Hockessin. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 24 – Aug 31.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 55–85 days

Fussier than broccoli about temperature swings; start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost, transplant 1-2 weeks before last frost.

Cauliflower Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplantFall planting
WilmingtonFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 26 – Sep 2
DoverFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 21 – Mar 28Aug 26 – Sep 2
NewarkFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 24 – Aug 31
MiddletownFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 24 – Aug 31
BearFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 23 – Aug 30
BrooksideFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 24 – Aug 31
GlasgowFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 24 – Aug 31
HockessinMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 5 – Apr 12Aug 17 – Aug 24
SmyrnaFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 21 – Mar 28Aug 26 – Sep 2
Pike Creek ValleyFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 24 – Aug 31
MilfordFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 28 – Apr 4Aug 21 – Aug 28
ClaymontFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 16 – Mar 23Sep 7 – Sep 14
North StarFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 24 – Aug 31
Pike CreekFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 24 – Aug 31
Wilmington ManorFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 23 – Aug 30
SeafordFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 28 – Apr 4Aug 21 – Aug 28
GeorgetownFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 21 – Mar 28Aug 28 – Sep 4
ElsmereFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 26 – Sep 2
EdgemoorFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 26 – Sep 2
New CastleFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 24 – Mar 31Aug 23 – Aug 30

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 cauliflower in Delaware?

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3, then transplant outdoors Mar 24 – Mar 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 16 in Claymont and as late as Apr 5 in Hockessin. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 24 – Aug 31.

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 cauliflower take to grow?

Cauliflower typically take 55–85 days from planting to harvest. Fussier than broccoli about temperature swings; start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost, transplant 1-2 weeks before last frost.

Other Crops in Delaware

When to plant cauliflower in other states

Related Guides