When to Plant Pumpkins in Delaware
In a typical Delaware location, sow 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.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost; back-time from your first fall frost so the 90-120 day maturity window lands before it.
Pumpkins Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Dover | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Newark | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Middletown | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Bear | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Brookside | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Glasgow | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Hockessin | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Smyrna | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Pike Creek Valley | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Milford | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Claymont | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| North Star | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Pike Creek | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Wilmington Manor | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Seaford | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Georgetown | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Elsmere | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Edgemoor | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| New Castle | Apr 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 pumpkins in Delaware?
In a typical Delaware location, sow 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 pumpkins take to grow?
Pumpkins typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost; back-time from your first fall frost so the 90-120 day maturity window lands before it.
Other Crops in Delaware
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- 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 pumpkins in other states