When to plant pumpkins in Delaware
Delaware’s average last spring frost is April 14, and the first fall frost typically arrives around October 22 — about 191 frost-free days (USDA zones 7a, 7b). Pumpkin needs 90–120 days to mature, which fits comfortably within Delaware's growing season.
When to plant pumpkins in Delaware: the short answer
For a spring planting, plant out Apr 14 – May 1, with seeds started indoors Mar 17 – Mar 31. Wait until the soil is at least 60°F and frost is over. For Halloween, count back 90–120 days from October 22: sow by Jun 24–Jul 24. See the Halloween plan.
Windows are ~1–2 week bands around each date. Frost dates are a statewide average from NOAA/NCEI normals; your town may differ by two weeks or more. Calendar year 2026.
How to grow pumpkins in Delaware, step by step
- Start seeds indoors (Mar 17 – Mar 31). Sow seeds 1 inch deep in seed-starting mix under bright light. They take 5-10 days to sprout, fastest in soil around 85°F. Harden seedlings off for a week before they go outside.
- Prepare the bed. They need at least six to eight hours of direct sun a day and loose soil at least 18 inches deep, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Dig in compost before planting.
- Plant out (Apr 14 – May 1). Space plants about 48 inches apart in rows 96 inches apart. It is killed by frost, so nothing goes outside until the danger has passed.
- Water and feed. Give it steady, even moisture, about an inch of water a week from rain or the hose.
- Watch for pests and problems. Pests: squash vine borer, squash bug, striped cucumber beetle. Diseases and disorders: powdery mildew, bacterial wilt.
- Harvest (from about Jul 20 – Aug 19). Pumpkin takes 90-120 days to reach harvest. For Halloween pumpkins in the north, count back 100-120 days from 31 Oct and start indoors. Mini varieties can climb a strong trellis.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use Delaware’s average frost dates. More in the full pumpkin growing guide.
Planting pumpkins in Delaware for Halloween
Spring dates above suit a long season. If you want fruit ready for Halloween, count back from Delaware's average first fall frost (October 22), which comes before Halloween. Pumpkin takes 90–120 days from sowing to a mature fruit, so these are the latest sowing dates. Sow earlier for a margin, but not too early: the University of Arkansas Extension warns that pumpkins planted too early may rot before Halloween.
| Days to maturity | Latest sowing for Halloween | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| 120 days | June 24 | slowest types (giants) |
| 100 days | July 14 | jack-o'-lantern and pie types (University of Arkansas variety table) |
| 90 days | July 24 | quickest types |
See the full growing guide for pumpkin. Days to maturity vary by variety, so check the seed packet.
When to plant pumpkins in nearby states
| State | Last frost | Plant out |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware (this page) | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 1 |
| New Jersey | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 7 |
| Pennsylvania | May 1 | May 1 – May 18 |
| Maryland | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 1 |
| District of Columbia | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Virginia | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 2 |
| West Virginia | May 5 | May 5 – May 22 |
Questions gardeners in Delaware ask
When is the best time to plant pumpkins in Delaware?
Plant pumpkin transplants outdoors in Delaware between April 14 and May 1. That timing is set by Delaware's average last spring frost of April 14.
When should I start pumpkin seeds indoors in Delaware?
Start seeds indoors between March 17 and March 31, about 3 weeks before the last frost, so the seedlings are ready to plant out from April 14.
What is the latest I can plant pumpkins in Delaware?
About July 24. Pumpkins need at least 90 days to mature, and frost around October 22 ends the season, so later plantings risk being cut short. If you want ripe fruit for Halloween, the cut-off is earlier: see the Halloween dates on this page.
When will pumpkins planted in Delaware be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, pumpkins are usually ready from about July 20 to August 19, 90-120 days after planting.
When should I plant pumpkins in Delaware for Halloween?
Count back 90-120 days from October 22, Delaware's average first fall frost, which comes before Halloween: the latest sowing dates are June 24 to July 24. Sow a little earlier for a margin.
When is the last frost in Delaware?
On average around April 14, with the first fall frost around October 22 - about 191 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.