FrostCal

When to Plant Tomatoes in Delaware

In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 24, 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 60–85 days

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.

Tomatoes Planting Dates by City

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

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

Tomatoes typically take 60–85 days from planting to harvest. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.

Other Crops in Delaware

When to plant tomatoes in other states

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