Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Delaware

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

In Delaware, soil conditions are an important factor for potatoes. Sandy soils in south, clay loam in north. Generally well-drained. Slightly acidic. Direct sow 2 weeks before your last frost date.

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

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Delaware

Northern Delaware (Zones 7a)

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

Direct Sow

2 wks before frost

Southern Delaware (Zones 7b)

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

Direct Sow

2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Delaware

Potatoes in Delaware's Climate

Plant seed potatoes 2-3 weeks before your last frost when soil reaches 45°F. Your varied soils all grow potatoes, though clay soils produce rougher-skinned tubers than sandy loams. Hill soil around stems as they grow. Watch for late blight during humid summers — Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic are historically late blight territory.

Soil Considerations for Delaware

Sandy soils in south, clay loam in north. Generally well-drained. Slightly acidic. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for potatoes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Delaware Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing conditions for a wide range of vegetables.

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 potatoes — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes 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