Last frost date in Middletown, DE
Expect the last frost in Middletown around April 7. Frost after April 21 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 2, which leaves 208 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 19 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 21
- Average first frost
- Nov 2
- Frost-free season
- 208 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 27
Frost possible in low spots Fri night, low 35°F
Earlier than usual: the average first frost here is November 2.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2242°
- FriOct 2335°possible frost
- SatOct 2436°possible frost
- SunOct 2538°
- MonOct 2644°
- TueOct 2745°
- WedOct 2846°
Planting calendar for Middletown
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Delaware.
TomatoesApr 14–Apr 28
PumpkinsApr 21–May 5
SunflowersApr 7–Apr 28
CucumbersApr 21–Apr 28
CornApr 14–Apr 28
Sweet potatoesApr 28–May 12
WatermelonApr 21–May 5
Green beansApr 14–May 5
ZucchiniApr 14–Apr 28
OkraApr 28–May 12
PeppersApr 21–May 5
BasilApr 14–Apr 28
Butternut squashApr 14–Apr 28
CantaloupeApr 21–May 5
EggplantApr 21–May 5
PotatoesMar 10–Mar 24
OnionsFeb 24–Mar 17
CarrotsMar 17–Apr 21
LettuceMar 24–Apr 14
BroccoliMar 10–Mar 24
BeetsMar 10–Apr 21
PeasFeb 24–Mar 10
CabbageMar 10–Mar 24
RadishesMar 3–Apr 14
Brussels sproutsMar 24–Apr 7
SpinachFeb 24–Mar 17
CilantroMar 24–Apr 14
KaleMar 10–Mar 24
Collard greensMar 10–Mar 24
TurnipsMar 10–Mar 24
DillApr 7–Apr 21
CeleryApr 14–Apr 21
CauliflowerMar 24–Apr 7
LeeksMar 24–Apr 7
Swiss chardMar 24–Apr 21
ParsleyMar 24–Apr 14
Tulip bulbsOct 19–Nov 23
GarlicOct 12–Nov 16
Daffodil bulbsOct 5–Nov 16
StrawberriesMar 10–Mar 24
AsparagusMar 10–Mar 24Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 26 | Apr 7 | Apr 21 | Oct 19 | Nov 2 | Nov 17 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 11 | Mar 27 | Apr 8 | Nov 1 | Nov 13 | Dec 1 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Newark Ag Farm (USC00076410) sits 15.6 miles from the center of Middletown at 106 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Middletown, DE?
The average last frost date in Middletown is April 7, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 21.
When is the first frost in Middletown?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 2. One year in ten it arrives before October 19.
How long is the growing season in Middletown?
About 208 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Middletown?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 14 to April 28. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Delaware
- BearApr 7
- NewarkApr 7
- DoverApr 4
- WilmingtonApr 7