When to Plant Marigolds in Delaware
Marigolds (Tagetes patula) are warm-season annuals beloved for their cheerful orange, yellow, and red blooms — and for their well-documented ability to repel pest nematodes in vegetable beds. Easy from seed, drought-tolerant once established, and bloom from early summer until the first hard frost.
Delaware spans USDA hardiness zones 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.
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Click your county for exact Marigolds planting dates based on your local frost dates.
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Marigolds Planting Calendar for Delaware
▸ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Bloom | May 13 | May 13 – Sep 2 |
Growing Tips for Delaware
Direct-sow after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier. Deadhead spent blooms to keep new flowers coming. French marigolds (T. patula) are the most reliable nematode repellents — plant a band around vegetable beds. Tolerate poor soil but bloom best with monthly compost.
Marigolds in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Marigolds in Delaware?
Planting dates for Marigolds in Delaware depend on your USDA zone. Delaware spans zones 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Delaware for planting?
Delaware contains USDA hardiness zones 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.