FrostCal

When to Plant Marigolds in Delaware

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10, 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.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Marigolds Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
WilmingtonFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
DoverFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 11 – Apr 18
NewarkFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
MiddletownFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
BearFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
BrooksideFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
GlasgowFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
HockessinMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 26 – May 3
SmyrnaFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 11 – Apr 18
Pike Creek ValleyFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
MilfordFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 18 – Apr 25
ClaymontFeb 16 – Mar 2Apr 6 – Apr 13
North StarFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
Pike CreekFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
Wilmington ManorFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
SeafordFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 18 – Apr 25
GeorgetownFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 11 – Apr 18
ElsmereFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
EdgemoorFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
New CastleFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 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 marigolds in Delaware?

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10, 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 marigolds take to grow?

Marigolds typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Other Crops in Delaware

When to plant marigolds in other states

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