When to plant Geraniums in New Castle County, DE
New Castle County's short 208-day growing season means one Geraniums planting between April 6 and April 20. No fall crop in Zone 7b.
When to Plant Geraniums in New Castle County, DE
Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are tender perennials grown as warm-season annuals throughout North America. Prized for their bold flower clusters, long bloom period, and tolerance of summer heat when planted in well-drained soil, they anchor window boxes, containers, and bed borders from late spring until hard frost. Zones 9b–11b can overwinter plants in the ground.
New Castle County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 415 feet, New Castle County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Geraniums during the growing season.
New Castle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Geraniums
Geraniums needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Geraniums Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in New Castle County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Geraniums Planting Timeline — New Castle County, DE
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Bloom | June 15 | Jun 15 – Oct 19 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
208 days in New Castle County
Growing Tips for New Castle County
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination is slow and erratic without bottom heat (70–75°F). Transplant after frost danger passes. Geraniums rarely direct-sown; cuttings or transplants are the standard. Deadhead spent umbels weekly to maintain continuous bloom. Let soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In zones 10–11 plants may be left in ground year-round or overwintered as houseplants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Geraniums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Geraniums in New Castle County, DE?
New Castle County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is New Castle County, DE?
New Castle County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Geraniums in New Castle County, DE?
In New Castle County, DE, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is New Castle County, DE for Geraniums?
New Castle County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in New Castle County's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in New Castle County's temperate climate. New Castle County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.
Your New Castle County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for New Castle 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.