When to plant Watermelon and cantaloupe in Delaware

In spring, from Apr 10 – May 15 in Dover to Apr 20 – June 1 in Wilmington.

For a fall crop, July 1 – 15.

Cantaloupe (muskmelon) dates are the same as watermelon except where the table notes them.

USDA's earliest safe spring and latest safe fall planting dates, matched to each place's average frost dates.

Watermelon planting dates by place in Delaware
PlaceSpringFall
DoverApr 10 – May 15July 1 – 15
MiddletownApr 20 – June 1July 1 – 15
MilfordApr 20 – June 1July 1 – 15
NewarkApr 20 – June 1July 1 – 15
SmyrnaApr 10 – May 15July 1 – 15
WilmingtonApr 20 – June 1July 1 – 15

Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), tables 4 and 5. Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. The full USDA table for watermelon.

Updated