Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peppers in Delaware

From sweet bells to fiery habaneros, peppers love heat and reward patience with prolific harvests.

The Short Answer

In Delaware, peppers planting dates vary by region. In Northern Delaware, your average last frost is around Apr 10 - Apr 25, while Southern Delaware sees its last frost around Apr 1 - Apr 15. Since peppers are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outside 2 weeks after frost danger has passed. Sandy soils in south, clay loam in north. Generally well-drained. Slightly acidic.

Delaware Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Delaware you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Northern Delaware	7a	Apr 10 - Apr 25	Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Delaware	7b	Apr 1 - Apr 15	Oct 20 - Nov 5

Peppers Planting Schedule for Delaware

Northern Delaware (Zones 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors

8 wks before frost

Transplant Outside

2 wks after frost

Southern Delaware (Zones 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Start Seeds Indoors

8 wks before frost

Transplant Outside

2 wks after frost

Growing Peppers in Delaware

Peppers in Delaware's Climate

Your climate grows peppers well with proper timing. Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost. Bell peppers need the most heat — they may ripen slowly in cooler years. Hot peppers (jalapeños, cayenne) are actually easier because they tolerate more variation. Don't rush transplanting — peppers sulk in cool soil and never fully recover. Wait until the soil feels genuinely warm to your hand.

Soil Considerations for Delaware

Sandy soils in south, clay loam in north. Generally well-drained. Slightly acidic. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 65°F before planting peppers outside.

Delaware Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing conditions for a wide range of vegetables. Peppers cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.

Growing season length varies across Delaware: Northern Delaware (7a) has a last frost around Apr 10 - Apr 25, while Southern Delaware (7b) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for peppers — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.

Growing Tips

Start seeds early — peppers are slow to germinate. Wait until nights are consistently above 55°F before transplanting.

Companion Planting

Plant peppers alongside these companions for better growth:

Tomatoes Basil Carrots Onions

Keep peppers away from:

Fennel Kohlrabi

The Bottom Line

Peppers can be grown successfully across Delaware, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Delaware gardeners should plan around a Apr 10 - Apr 25 last frost, while those in Southern Delaware can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026