FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Delaware

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Jan 27 – Feb 10, then transplant outdoors Apr 14 – Apr 28. 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 60–90 days

Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Peppers Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
WilmingtonJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
DoverJan 24 – Feb 7Apr 11 – Apr 25
NewarkJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
MiddletownJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
BearJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
BrooksideJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
GlasgowJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
HockessinFeb 8 – Feb 22Apr 26 – May 10
SmyrnaJan 24 – Feb 7Apr 11 – Apr 25
Pike Creek ValleyJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
MilfordJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
ClaymontJan 19 – Feb 2Apr 6 – Apr 20
North StarJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
Pike CreekJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
Wilmington ManorJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
SeafordJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
GeorgetownJan 24 – Feb 7Apr 11 – Apr 25
ElsmereJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
EdgemoorJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
New CastleJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – 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 peppers in Delaware?

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Jan 27 – Feb 10, then transplant outdoors Apr 14 – Apr 28. 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 peppers take to grow?

Peppers typically take 60–90 days from planting to harvest. Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Other Crops in Delaware

When to plant peppers in other states

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