When to Plant Watermelon in Delaware
In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Mar 10 – Mar 17, 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.
Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Watermelon Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Dover | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Newark | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Middletown | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Bear | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Brookside | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Glasgow | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Hockessin | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Smyrna | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Pike Creek Valley | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Milford | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Claymont | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 20 |
| North Star | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Pike Creek | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Wilmington Manor | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Seaford | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Georgetown | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Elsmere | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Edgemoor | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| New Castle | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | 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 watermelon in Delaware?
In a typical Delaware location, start seeds indoors Mar 10 – Mar 17, 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 watermelon take to grow?
Watermelon typically take 70–90 days from planting to harvest. Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Other Crops in Delaware
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- 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 watermelon in other states