When to Plant Eggplant in Delaware
In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Jan 27 – Feb 10, 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.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Dover | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Newark | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Middletown | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Bear | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Brookside | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Glasgow | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Hockessin | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Smyrna | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Pike Creek Valley | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Milford | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Claymont | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Apr 13 – Apr 20 |
| North Star | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Pike Creek | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Wilmington Manor | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Seaford | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Georgetown | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Elsmere | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Edgemoor | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| New Castle | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 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 eggplant in Delaware?
In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Jan 27 – Feb 10, 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 eggplant take to grow?
Eggplant typically take 65–85 days from planting to harvest. Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Other Crops in Delaware
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- 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
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant eggplant in other states