When to Plant Tomatoes in Delaware
In Delaware, the time to transplant tomatoes outside runs from Apr 11 – Apr 25 in Dover to Apr 18 – May 2 in Milford. In Wilmington, it's Apr 14 – Apr 28.
Tomatoes are killed by frost and sulk in cold soil. Wait until nights stay above 50°F, usually one to three weeks after the average last frost.
- Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant outside: 1–3 weeks after the last frost.
Tomatoes planting dates in Delaware by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 7b | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Elsmere | 7b | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Georgetown | 7b | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Middletown | 7b | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Milford | 7b | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Millsboro | 7b | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| New Castle | 7b | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Newark | 7b | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Seaford | 7b | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Smyrna | 7b | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Wilmington | 7b | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
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 tomatoes.
Getting beds ready? Work out how much raised bed soil, compost or mulch you need with our sister site, Yard Coverage.