When to Plant Peppers in Delaware
In Delaware, the time to transplant peppers outside runs from Apr 18 – May 2 in Dover to Apr 25 – May 9 in Milford. In Wilmington, it's Apr 21 – May 5.
Peppers need even more warmth than tomatoes. Start them early indoors and set them out once the soil has warmed, two to four weeks after the last frost.
- Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant outside: 2–4 weeks after the last frost.
Peppers planting dates in Delaware by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 7b | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Elsmere | 7b | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Georgetown | 7b | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Middletown | 7b | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Milford | 7b | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Millsboro | 7b | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| New Castle | 7b | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Newark | 7b | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Seaford | 7b | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Smyrna | 7b | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Wilmington | 7b | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Delaware, or the general guide to when to plant peppers.
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