Planting calendar for Wilmington, Delaware

Dates from 30 years of records at the Wilmington Porter Rsch weather station, 2.0 miles from Wilmington, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Wilmington at a glance

Weather station: Wilmington Porter Rsch · 2.0 mi
USDA zone: 7b
Last spring frost: typically Apr 7; 1 year in 10 after Apr 24
First fall frost: typically Nov 4; 1 year in 10 before Oct 21
Frost-free season: about 211 days
Hottest month: July: highs 84°F, nights 67°F
Coldest month: January: highs 38°F, nights 24°F
Rain: 50 in. a year, most in June, July and September

What shapes the seasons here

The last spring frost in Wilmington typically comes around Apr 7, but 1 year in 10 it comes after Apr 24. The first fall frost typically arrives around Nov 4. That leaves about 211 frost-free days for tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash.

Summers are mild, with highs around 84°F in July, so cool-season crops last longer here than in hotter places: leaf lettuce is best planted Mar 14–Apr 11, Jul 31–Sep 17.

Wilmington gets about 50 inches of rain a year, most of it in June, July and September.

161 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 13 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).

When to plant the most popular crops

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Tomato (slicing)

Tomato (cherry & grape)

Pepper (sweet / bell)

Pepper (hot / chili)

Eggplant

Cucumber (slicing)

Summer squash & zucchini

Watermelon

Bean (bush snap)

Sweet corn

Okra

Sweet potato

Potato

Pea (snap & snow)

Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)

Spinach

Kale

Collard greens

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrot

Radish

Onion (bulbing)

Garlic

Basil

Cilantro

Strawberry

Best Can plant Start indoors

Get these dates as reminders for your exact yard

The free Year Round Garden app uses the weather station nearest your own address, not just the city. It reminds you when to start seeds, plant and harvest, sends frost and storm alerts from the National Weather Service, and keeps a garden journal. No account needed, in English and Spanish.

Download on the App Store Free for up to 5 plants on iPhone and Android.

What to plant in Wilmington, month by month

January0

Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Cabbage, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Snapdragon, Stock

February0

Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celery, Lettuce (romaine & head), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lovage, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice

March63

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Fennel (bulb), Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress

Herbs: Caraway, Catnip, Chamomile, Chervil, Dill, Lovage, Parsley, Sorrel (French / garden)

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry, Fig, Grape (bunch), Raspberry, Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Potato, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Milkweed (native), Strawflower

April53

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Parsnip, Potato, Radish, Salsify, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season)

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Catnip, Chervil, Chives, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Oregano, Sage, Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

Fruit: Fig, Grape (bunch), Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Beet, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collard greens, Daikon radish, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radicchio, Rhubarb, Shallot, Spinach, Turnip, Watercress, Caraway, Chamomile, Cilantro, Dill, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Parsley, Rosemary, Blackberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis (tickseed), Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Pansy / viola, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Malabar spinach, Onion (bulbing), Sweet potato, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Basil, Marjoram, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Milkweed (native), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

May36

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pumpkin, Purslane, Summer squash & zucchini, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Herbs: Basil, Epazote, Lavender, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Papalo, Rosemary

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon

Flowers: Milkweed (native)

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Popcorn, Potato, Radish, Salsify, Shallot, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Watercress, Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chives, Cuban oregano, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Stevia, Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Winter savory, Blueberry, Fig, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Ginger, Leek, Malabar spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Parsley, Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Snapdragon, Statice

June37

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Ginger, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Potato, Pumpkin, Salsify, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Yardlong bean

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Culantro, Lemongrass, Stevia, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Purslane, Rutabaga, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Nasturtium, Snapdragon, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce (romaine & head), Malabar spinach, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Basil, Parsley, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Statice, Stock, Strawflower

July56

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Malabar spinach, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Rutabaga, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Yardlong bean

Herbs: Basil, Borage, Cuban oregano, Culantro

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, California poppy, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Nasturtium, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Snapdragon, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Moringa, Mustard greens, Okinawa spinach, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Purslane, Radish, Spinach, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Lemongrass, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Lettuce (romaine & head), Pansy / viola, Stock

August55

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Purslane, Radish, Rutabaga, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip

Herbs: Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Nasturtium, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Kale, Mache (corn salad), Spinach, Summer savory, Annual salvia, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

September21

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Broccoli raab (rapini), Collard greens, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Radish, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Chervil, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi)

Flowers: Calendula, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sweet alyssum

October3

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Elephant garlic, Garlic, Radish

November2

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Elephant garlic, Garlic

December0

Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.

Start seeds indoors

Pansy / viola

Every crop that grows in Wilmington

161 of 174 crops in the app fit this climate. Dates are for planting outdoors; “Start indoors” is for seeds you grow into transplants.

Vegetables

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Amaranth greens / callaloo	May 15–29, Aug 17–Sep 1	May 30–Aug 16	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 16–Aug 5	May 14–Jul 15	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Mar 24–Apr 7	Apr 8–25	Jan 20–Feb 3	Set out plants
Arugula	Mar 14–Apr 17, Aug 4–Sep 27	Feb 24–Mar 13, Apr 18–May 14, Jun 21–Aug 3	—	Sow seeds
Asparagus	Mar 10–Apr 7	Apr 8–May 5	—	Set out plants
Bean (bush snap)	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 30–Aug 20	May 14–Jul 29	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Apr 29–May 13, Jun 25–Jul 16	May 14–Jun 24	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	May 15–29, Jul 1–21	May 30–Jun 30	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 20–Aug 10	May 14–Jul 19	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Mar 10–31, Aug 15–Sep 5	Apr 1–Aug 14	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 18–Aug 8	May 14–Jul 17	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Mar 24–Apr 8, Aug 8–29	Apr 9–18, Jul 11–Aug 7	—	Sow seeds
Bottle gourd / cucuzza	Jun 1–15	Jun 16–Jul 23	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Mar 10–24, Aug 8–28	Mar 25–May 10, Jun 19–Aug 7	Jan 27–Feb 10, Jun 27–Jul 17	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Mar 13–Apr 9, Aug 11–Sep 15	Mar 10–12, Apr 10–27, Jun 30–Aug 10	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Mar 10–24, Jul 20–Aug 10	Mar 25–Apr 22, May 5–Jul 19	Jan 27–Feb 10, Jun 8–29	Set out plants
Cabbage	Mar 3–17, Jul 26–Aug 16	Mar 18–Jul 25	Jan 20–Feb 3, Jun 14–Jul 5	Set out plants
Cardoon	Apr 7–21	Apr 22–Jun 22	Feb 3–17	Set out plants
Carrot	Mar 17–Apr 7, Aug 5–26	Apr 8–Aug 4	—	Sow seeds
Cauliflower	Mar 17–31, Jul 25–Aug 14	Apr 1–May 13, Jun 20–Jul 24	Feb 3–17, Jun 13–Jul 3	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Mar 30–Apr 13, Jun 21–Jul 12	Apr 14–Jun 20	Jan 12–26, Apr 5–26	Set out plants
Celery	Apr 14–28, Jun 17–Jul 8	Apr 29–Jun 16	Jan 27–Feb 10, Apr 1–22	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Mar 30–Apr 13	Apr 14–Jul 5	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Mar 17–Apr 7, Aug 13–Sep 2	Apr 8–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Mar 10–24, Aug 19–Sep 9	Mar 25–Aug 18	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 23–Aug 13	May 14–Jul 22	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 21–Aug 10	May 14–Jul 20	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Mar 17–31, Aug 15–Sep 5	Apr 1–May 3, Jul 5–Aug 14	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	May 15–29, Jul 3–23	May 30–Jul 2	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	May 15–29, Jul 6–26	May 30–Jul 5	Mar 13–27, May 4–24	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 14–Nov 18	—	—	Sow seeds
Endive & escarole	Mar 17–31, Jul 21–28	Apr 1–8	—	Sow seeds
Fava bean	Feb 25–Mar 11	Mar 12–21	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Mar 24–Apr 7, Jul 17–Aug 7	Apr 8–24, Jun 26–Jul 16	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Mar 28–May 2, Aug 22–Oct 1	Mar 24–27, May 3–28, Jul 7–Aug 21	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 14–Nov 18	—	—	Sow seeds
Ginger	Jun 13–Jul 2	Jun 1–12, Jul 3–9	Apr 25–May 14	Set out plants
Green onion / scallion	Mar 10–24	Mar 25–May 5	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Feb 24–Mar 17, Sep 1–21	Mar 18–Aug 31	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Mar 10–24, Aug 23–Sep 12	Mar 25–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Jul 19–Sep 20	Apr 7–May 15, Jun 10–Jul 18	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Mar 10–24, Jul 10–31	Mar 25–Jul 9	Jan 6–20, May 8–29	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Mar 14–Apr 11, Jul 31–Sep 17	Mar 10–13, Apr 12–May 6, Jun 13–Jul 30	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Mar 17–Apr 2, Jul 27–Aug 31	Apr 3–18, Jun 20–Jul 26	Feb 10–26, Jun 22–Jul 27	Set out plants
Luffa gourd	Jun 1–15	Jun 16–24	—	Sow seeds
Mache (corn salad)	Mar 10–28, Sep 9–29	Mar 29–Apr 7, Aug 10–Sep 8	—	Sow seeds
Malabar spinach	Jun 1–15, Jul 13–27	Jun 16–Jul 12	Apr 13–27, May 25–Jun 8	Set out plants
Moringa	Jun 1–15	Jun 16–Jul 20	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Mar 14–Apr 15, Aug 14–Sep 25	Feb 24–Mar 13, Apr 16–May 2, Jul 5–Aug 13	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Jul 7–Aug 26	Mar 24–Apr 22, May 29–Jul 6	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 23–Aug 12	May 14–Jul 22	—	Sow seeds
Okinawa spinach	Jun 1–15	Jun 16–Jul 27	—	Set out plants
Okra	Jun 1–15, Jul 21–Aug 3	Jun 16–Jul 20	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Mar 14–Apr 4, May 31–Jul 22	Feb 24–Mar 13, Apr 5–May 30	Mar 15–May 6, Dec 27–Jan 17	Set out plants
Parsnip	Mar 17–Apr 7	Apr 8–Jul 26	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Feb 25–Mar 11, Aug 13–Sep 2	Mar 12–May 14, Jun 20–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Feb 25–Mar 11, Aug 13–Sep 2	Mar 12–May 13, Jun 17–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	May 5–19, Jun 28–Jul 19	May 20–Jun 27	Mar 3–17, Apr 26–May 17	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 8–29	May 14–Jul 7	Feb 25–Mar 11, May 6–27	Set out plants
Popcorn	Apr 29–May 6	May 7–Jul 3	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Mar 27–Apr 15, Jun 6–Jul 18	Mar 15–26, Apr 16–Jun 5	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Apr 29–May 13, Jun 3–24	May 14–Jun 2	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	May 15–29, Jul 29–Aug 19	May 30–Jul 28	—	Sow seeds
Radicchio	Mar 10–17	Mar 18–Apr 15	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Mar 19–Apr 30, Aug 23–Oct 9	Mar 3–18, May 1–25, Jul 4–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds
Rhubarb	Mar 10–Apr 2	Apr 3–25	—	Set out plants
Rutabaga	Mar 10–24, Jul 25–Aug 15	Mar 25–29, Jun 15–30, Jul 21–24	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	Mar 17–Apr 7, Jun 1–22	Apr 8–May 31	—	Sow seeds
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza	Jun 1–21	—	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Feb 24–Mar 10, Jul 15–Aug 5	Mar 11–Jul 14	—	Sow seeds
Southern pea / cowpea	Jun 1–15, Jul 3–24	Jun 16–Jul 2	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Feb 25–Apr 5, Sep 5–Oct 4	Feb 24, Apr 6–22, Jul 15–Sep 4	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 26–Aug 15	May 14–Jul 25	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Apr 7–28	Mar 17–Apr 6	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Apr 29–May 6, Jul 8–28	May 7–Jul 7	—	Sow seeds
Sweet potato	Jun 1–24	—	Apr 13–May 6	Set out plants
Swiss chard	Mar 17–Apr 7, Aug 20–Sep 10	Apr 8–Aug 19	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Apr 29–May 13	May 14–Jul 26	Mar 18–Apr 1	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 23–Aug 12	May 14–Jul 22	Mar 11–25, Jun 4–24	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Apr 14–21, Jul 28–Aug 17	Apr 22–Jul 27	Feb 24–Mar 3, Jun 9–29	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	May 15–29, Jul 10–31	May 30–Jul 9	Mar 27–Apr 10, May 22–Jun 12	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 10–31	May 14–Jul 9	Mar 11–25, May 22–Jun 12	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Apr 29–May 13, Jul 8–28	May 14–Jul 7	Mar 11–25, May 20–Jun 9	Set out plants
Turnip	Mar 10–24, Aug 25–Sep 15	Mar 25–Aug 24	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Mar 17–31	Apr 1–May 12	—	Sow seeds
Winged bean	Jun 1–15	Jun 16–24	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	May 15–29, Jun 3–24	—	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Apr 29–May 13, Jun 13–Jul 4	May 14–Jun 12	—	Sow seeds
Yardlong bean	Jun 1–15, Jul 8–23	Jun 16–Jul 7	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Anise hyssop	Apr 7–May 2	May 3–Jun 2	Feb 21–Mar 18	Set out plants
Basil	May 15–22, Jul 21–Aug 10	May 23–Jul 20	Apr 10–17, Jun 16–Jul 6	Set out plants
Bee balm (bergamot)	Apr 7–30	May 1–Jun 2	Feb 17–Mar 12	Set out plants
Borage	Apr 9–30, Jul 6–Aug 27	Mar 31–Apr 8, May 1–Jul 5	—	Sow seeds
Caraway	Mar 17–31, Jul 26–Aug 16	Apr 1–Jul 25	—	Sow seeds
Catnip	Mar 24–Apr 14	Apr 15–May 5	Feb 3–24	Set out plants
Chamomile	Mar 10–24, Aug 10–31	Mar 25–Aug 9	—	Sow seeds
Chervil	Mar 17–Apr 7, Aug 19–Sep 15	Apr 8–17, Jul 11–Aug 18	—	Sow seeds
Chives	Apr 7–28	Apr 29–Jun 2	Feb 17–Mar 10	Set out plants
Cilantro	Jul 30–Sep 7	Mar 24–Apr 21, Jun 27–Jul 29	—	Sow seeds
Cuban oregano	Jun 12–Jul 10	May 15–Jun 11	—	Set out plants
Culantro	Jun 1–15, Jul 15–23	Jun 16–Jul 14	—	Sow seeds
Dill	Mar 24–31, Aug 11–Sep 1	Apr 1–Aug 10	—	Sow seeds
Epazote	Apr 29–May 13, Aug 4–25	May 14–Aug 3	—	Sow seeds
Fenugreek (methi)	Apr 7–24, Jul 30–Sep 13	Apr 25–May 18, Jun 21–Jul 29	—	Sow seeds
Feverfew	Mar 31–Apr 28	Apr 29–May 26	Feb 10–Mar 10	Set out plants
Garlic chives	Apr 7–May 1	May 2–Jun 2	Feb 17–Mar 13	Set out plants
Lavender	Apr 14–Jun 2	—	Jan 27–Mar 17	Set out plants
Lemon balm	Apr 3–24	Mar 24–Apr 2, Apr 25–May 5	Feb 27–Mar 20	Set out plants
Lemon verbena	May 9–Jun 2	Apr 14–May 8	—	Set out plants
Lemongrass	Jun 12–Jul 2	Jun 1–11, Jul 3–11	—	Set out plants
Lovage	Mar 24–Apr 14	Apr 15–May 5	Feb 3–24	Set out plants
Marjoram	May 9–Jun 2	Apr 14–May 8	Mar 21–Apr 14	Set out plants
Mint	Mar 30–Apr 20	Mar 24–29, Apr 21–May 5	—	Set out plants
Oregano	Apr 8–30	Apr 7, May 1–Jun 2	Feb 18–Mar 12	Set out plants
Papalo	May 15–29	May 30–Jul 31	—	Sow seeds
Parsley	Mar 17–31, Jul 26–Aug 16	Apr 1–Jul 25	Jan 13–27, May 24–Jun 14	Set out plants
Rosemary	May 15–Jun 2	Apr 14–May 14	Feb 27–Mar 17	Set out plants
Sage	Mar 31–Apr 28	Apr 29–May 26	Feb 10–Mar 10	Set out plants
Shiso (perilla)	Apr 29–May 6	May 7–Aug 7	Mar 25–Apr 1	Set out plants
Sorrel (French / garden)	Mar 17–Apr 14	Apr 15–May 12	—	Sow seeds
Stevia	Jun 8–Jul 2	May 15–Jun 7, Jul 3	—	Set out plants
Summer savory	Apr 14–28	Apr 29–Aug 10	—	Sow seeds
Tarragon (French)	Apr 7–May 5	May 6–Jun 2	—	Set out plants
Thyme	Apr 7–25	Apr 26–Jun 2	Feb 10–28	Set out plants
Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)	May 27–Jun 24	Apr 29–May 26	—	Set out plants
Winter savory	Apr 7–May 5	May 6–Jun 2	Feb 17–Mar 17	Set out plants

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Mar 5–24	Mar 25–May 7	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Mar 5–17	Mar 18–May 21	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	May 15–29, Jun 26–Jul 16	May 30–Jun 25	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Apr 29–May 13	May 14–Jul 31	Mar 25–Apr 8	Set out plants
Fig	Mar 17–Apr 14	Apr 15–May 26	—	Set out plants
Grape (bunch)	Mar 10–Apr 7	Apr 8–21	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Apr 29–May 13	May 14–Aug 5	Mar 11–25	Set out plants
Raspberry	Mar 10–24	Mar 25–May 5	—	Set out plants
Strawberry	Mar 18–Apr 15	Mar 10–17, Apr 16–May 5	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	May 15–29, Jun 23–Jul 14	May 30–Jun 22	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Annual salvia	Jun 6–Aug 4	Apr 29–Jun 5, Aug 5–25	Mar 28–May 26	Set out plants
Bachelor's button (cornflower)	Mar 10–Apr 14, Jul 25–Aug 28	Apr 15–May 9, Jun 9–Jul 24	—	Sow seeds
Black-eyed Susan	Jun 1–Jul 27	Apr 7–May 31, Jul 28	—	Sow seeds
Calendula	Mar 24–Apr 25, Jul 21–Sep 12	Apr 26–Jul 20	—	Sow seeds
California poppy	Mar 10–Apr 14, Jul 25–Aug 28	Apr 15–May 9, Jun 9–Jul 24	—	Sow seeds
Celosia	Jun 1–8, Jun 28–Jul 15	Jun 9–27	Apr 13–20, May 10–27	Set out plants
Cleome (spider flower)	Jun 1–Jul 15	Apr 29–May 31, Jul 16–26	—	Sow seeds
Coreopsis (tickseed)	Mar 13–Apr 3, Jun 15–Aug 6	Mar 10–12, Apr 4–Jun 14	—	Sow seeds
Cosmos	Jun 7–Jul 18	May 15–Jun 6, Jul 19–Aug 5	—	Sow seeds
Globe amaranth (gomphrena)	Jun 7–Jul 18	May 15–Jun 6, Jul 19–Aug 5	Apr 19–May 30	Set out plants
Larkspur	Feb 24–Mar 17	Mar 18–Apr 8	—	Sow seeds
Marigold	Jun 6–Aug 1	Apr 29–Jun 5, Aug 2–20	Apr 18–Jun 13	Set out plants
Milkweed (native)	Apr 27–May 17	Apr 7–26, May 18–Jun 2	Mar 23–Apr 12	Set out plants
Nasturtium	Jul 3–Aug 25	Apr 14–Jul 2	—	Sow seeds
Pansy / viola	Feb 24–Mar 17, Sep 7–27	Mar 18–May 6, Jul 28–Sep 6	Jun 22–Jul 12, Dec 9–30	Set out plants
Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)	Jun 24–Aug 2	Jun 1–23, Aug 3–18	Apr 22–May 31	Set out plants
Purple coneflower (echinacea)	Apr 8–May 6	Apr 7, May 7–Jun 2	Jan 21–Feb 18	Set out plants
Snapdragon	Mar 10–24, Jul 16–Aug 6	Mar 25–Apr 8, Jun 4–Jul 15	Jan 6–20, May 14–Jun 4	Set out plants
Statice	Apr 7–21, Jul 27–Aug 17	Apr 22–Jul 26	Feb 3–17, May 25–Jun 15	Set out plants
Stock	Mar 24–Apr 7, Aug 25–Sep 15	Apr 8–May 8, Jul 11–Aug 24	Jan 20–Feb 3, Jun 23–Jul 14	Set out plants
Strawflower	Apr 14–28, Aug 4–24	Apr 29–Aug 3	Feb 24–Mar 10, Jun 16–Jul 6	Set out plants
Sunflower	Jun 3–Jul 14	Apr 29–Jun 2, Jul 15–21	—	Sow seeds
Sweet alyssum	Mar 17–Apr 25, Jul 26–Sep 14	Apr 26–Jul 25	—	Sow seeds
Sweet pea (flower)	Feb 25–Mar 25	Mar 26–Apr 15	—	Sow seeds
Zinnia	Jun 8–Jul 20	May 15–Jun 7, Jul 21–Aug 7	—	Sow seeds

Crops that struggle in Wilmington

These need a climate Wilmington doesn't have. Pots, shade cloth or a greenhouse can stretch the rules.

Banana: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 24°F.
Bay laurel: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 32°F; the coldest month here averages 24°F.
Cassava (yuca): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 24°F.
Chaya (tree spinach): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 24°F.
Jicama: The frost-free season (about 211 days) is shorter than the 180 days it needs.
Muscadine grape: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 26°F; the coldest month here averages 24°F.
Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 24°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 24°F.
Peanut: The frost-free season (about 211 days) is shorter than the 130 days it needs.
Pigeon pea: The frost-free season (about 211 days) is shorter than the 150 days it needs.
Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 24°F.
Roselle: The frost-free season (about 211 days) is shorter than the 165 days it needs.
Taro (dasheen): The frost-free season (about 211 days) is shorter than the 225 days it needs.

Nearby planting calendars

Philadelphia, PA 25 mi · last frost around Mar 30
Baltimore, MD 65 mi · last frost around Mar 24
Washington, DC 99 mi · last frost around Mar 24
Newark, NJ 100 mi · last frost around Apr 4
New York City, NY 105 mi · last frost around Mar 30
All Delaware cities

How these dates are worked out

Each crop has temperature limits and timing from university extension guides: how cold a night it can take, how much heat it can stand, how long it takes to mature, and how far before or after the last frost it goes in. Those are checked day by day against the Wilmington Porter Rsch station's NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (average highs, lows, rain and frost dates). Dates are estimates for a typical year; a sheltered yard, a slope or a cold pocket can shift them by a week or two.

Weather: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals. Crop timing: university extension guides (sources listed for each crop in the app). City locations: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).