Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Pumpkins in Delaware

From jack-o-lanterns to pies, pumpkins need space and time but deliver a uniquely satisfying harvest.

The Short Answer

In Delaware, pumpkins 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 pumpkins are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 3 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

Pumpkins 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
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
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
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Pumpkins in Delaware

Pumpkins in Delaware's Climate

Your season comfortably supports both short and long-season pumpkin varieties. Direct sow in late May to early June for October harvest. Give vining types plenty of space — 5-6 feet between hills. Powdery mildew is nearly guaranteed in humid summers — choose resistant varieties. After harvesting, cure pumpkins in sun for several days to harden the skin for storage.

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 pumpkins outside.

Delaware Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing conditions for a wide range of vegetables. Pumpkins 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 pumpkins — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.

Growing Tips

Count backwards from when you want ripe pumpkins (usually October). They need 90-120 days, so mid-June to early July is often ideal.

Companion Planting

Plant pumpkins alongside these companions for better growth:

Corn Beans Marigolds

Keep pumpkins away from:

Potatoes

The Bottom Line

Pumpkins 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.

Related Guides

Pumpkins Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Delaware Planting Calendar All plants for Delaware Pumpkins in Alabama Alabama planting dates Pumpkins in Alaska Alaska planting dates Pumpkins in Arizona Arizona planting dates Pumpkins in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
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

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