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When to plant Hyacinths in Kent County, DE

For Hyacinths in Kent County, the safe spring window opens around mid-spring and closes around late spring. Last expected frost is April 2, first fall frost November 4, giving a 216-day growing season. A second sowing from September 30 to October 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Hyacinths in Kent County, DE

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) fill the spring garden with an almost overwhelming fragrance — a single cluster of blooms can perfume an entire yard. Dense, upright spikes of waxy florets in shades of purple, pink, blue, white, and red emerge in mid-spring, bridging the gap between the first crocus and the tulip peak. Though bulbs bloom most spectacularly in their first year, established plantings continue to produce graceful, less-dense flower spikes for several years. Deer and rabbits avoid them due to toxic alkaloids.

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Hyacinths during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Kent County, DE (Zone 7b) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
216 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Hyacinths Planting Timeline — Kent County, DE

Hyacinths Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom September 23 Sep 23 – Oct 14
Fall Sowing September 30 Sep 30 – Oct 14

Plant 6" deep · 6" apart · Rows 8" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing Bloom
October Fall Sowing Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

14–28 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent County

Plant bulbs 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart in fall, when soil drops below 60°F. Wear gloves when handling — bulb sap causes contact dermatitis in some people. After bloom, deadhead the spent spike but leave the strap-like foliage until it yellows naturally. For naturalizing, plant at 6–8 inch spacings and allow clumps to mature undisturbed. In zones 7b–9b, treat bulbs as annuals or use pre-chilled stock; performance after year 1 declines in warm-winter zones. For forcing indoors, chill bulbs 10–12 weeks then bring into warmth.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hyacinths in Kent County, DE?

Kent County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Hyacinths planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, DE?

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 4.

When should I plant Hyacinths in Kent County, DE?

In Kent County, DE, plant Hyacinths after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kent County, DE for Hyacinths?

Kent County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Hyacinths grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Hyacinths grow in Kent County's climate?

Yes — Hyacinths grows well in Kent County's temperate climate. Kent County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 4.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kent County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kent County, DE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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