When to plant watermelon in Delaware

Plant out in Wilmington

Apr 21–May 5

Across Delaware the window opens between April 18 and April 21. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Wilmington: Mar 10–Mar 17
Plant out, Wilmington: Apr 21–May 5
Sow outdoors, Wilmington: Apr 21–May 5
Last sowing for a harvest: Jul 13
Last frost, Wilmington: Apr 7

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost. In short-season areas, start seedlings indoors and pick an early variety.

Watermelon planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

WilmingtonApr 21–May 5

DoverApr 18–May 2

NewarkApr 21–May 5

MiddletownApr 21–May 5

BearApr 21–May 5

Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Delaware?

In Wilmington, plant out from April 21 to May 5. Across Delaware the window opens between April 18 and April 21, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

More for Delaware

Watermelon in other states

Frost dates for every city in Delaware