What to plant in February in Delaware
In Delaware (DE), February sits about 8 weeks before the average last frost (April 14). The state averages 191 frost-free days a year (last frost April 14, first frost October 22; USDA zones 7a, 7b).
29 crops have a sowing or planting window this month - and 5 of those windows close during February.
Dates here come from Delaware frost dates (last frost Apr 14, first frost Oct 22). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, eggplant or bell pepper in Delaware.
Delaware: planting activity through the year
Last chance in February
Celeriac (start seeds indoors, by Feb 3) · Celery (start seeds indoors, by Feb 10) · Leek (start seeds indoors, by Feb 10) · Onion (start seeds indoors, by Feb 10) · Rosemary (start seeds indoors, by Feb 10)
Start seeds indoors in February (29)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celeriac | Start seeds indoors | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Last chance - ends Feb 3 |
| Celery | Start seeds indoors | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Last chance - ends Feb 10 |
| Leek | Start seeds indoors | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Last chance - ends Feb 10 |
| Onion | Start seeds indoors | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Last chance - ends Feb 10 |
| Rosemary | Start seeds indoors | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Last chance - ends Feb 10 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Parsley | Start seeds indoors | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Shallot | Start seeds indoors | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Bell Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Chili Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Ginger | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Mint | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Oregano | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Sage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Tarragon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Thyme | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Turmeric | Start seeds indoors | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Ground Cherry | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Opens Feb 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Opens Feb 24 |
Planting dates for popular crops in Delaware
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Delaware: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Seed-starting season: February garden jobs in Delaware
- Start 29 crops indoors this month, including celeriac, celery, leek, onion. Use a sterile mix and good light - see starting seeds indoors.
- 8 weeks until the average last frost (April 14). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
- Keep seedlings from stretching: lights 2-3 inches above the leaves for 14-16 hours a day, and a fan or a daily brush of the hand across the tops.
- Prepare beds as soon as the soil crumbles instead of smearing when squeezed - working wet soil ruins its structure for the season.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Delaware in February?
29 crops have a window in February: celeriac, celery, leek, onion, rosemary, eggplant, parsley, shallot, bell pepper, chili pepper and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Delaware in February?
No - start seeds indoors runs Feb 17 – Mar 3 in Delaware.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Delaware in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Delaware the next lettuce window opens around March 10: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in Delaware?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 22 and the last spring frost around April 14. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in Delaware?
Celeriac (Jan 20 – Feb 3), Celery (Jan 27 – Feb 10), Leek (Jan 27 – Feb 10), Onion (Jan 27 – Feb 10), Rosemary (Jan 27 – Feb 10), Eggplant (Feb 3 – Feb 17), Parsley (Feb 3 – Feb 17), Shallot (Feb 3 – Feb 17), Bell Pepper (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Chili Pepper (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Ginger (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Green Onion / Scallion (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Mint (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Oregano (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Sage (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Tarragon (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Thyme (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Turmeric (Feb 10 – Feb 24), Ground Cherry (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Lemon Balm (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Shiso (Perilla) (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Sweet Marjoram (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Tomatillo (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Tomato (Feb 17 – Mar 3), Broccoli (Feb 24 – Mar 10), Brussels Sprouts (Feb 24 – Mar 10), Cabbage (Feb 24 – Mar 10), Cauliflower (Feb 24 – Mar 10), Kale (Feb 24 – Mar 10).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from Delaware’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.