When to plant basil in Delaware

Plant out in Wilmington

Apr 14–Apr 28

Across Delaware the window opens between April 11 and April 14. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Wilmington: Feb 24–Mar 10
Plant out, Wilmington: Apr 14–Apr 28
Sow outdoors, Wilmington: Apr 14–Apr 28
Last sowing for a harvest: Aug 7
Last frost, Wilmington: Apr 7

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost; plant out 1–3 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 1–3 weeks after the last frost. Basil blackens below 50°F. Wait a week or two after the last frost.

Basil planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

WilmingtonApr 14–Apr 28

DoverApr 11–Apr 25

NewarkApr 14–Apr 28

MiddletownApr 14–Apr 28

BearApr 14–Apr 28

Questions

When should I plant basil in Delaware?

In Wilmington, plant out from April 14 to April 28. Across Delaware the window opens between April 11 and April 14, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost; plant out 1–3 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 1–3 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

More for Delaware

Basil in other states

Frost dates for every city in Delaware