FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Alaska

In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors May 23 – Jun 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 18 in Kalifornsky.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 60–90 days

Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Peppers Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
AnchorageFeb 20 – Mar 6May 8 – May 22
FairbanksMar 7 – Mar 21May 23 – Jun 6
JuneauFeb 9 – Feb 23Apr 27 – May 11
Eagle RiverFeb 28 – Mar 14May 16 – May 30
BadgerMar 13 – Mar 27May 29 – Jun 12
Knik-FairviewMar 9 – Mar 23May 25 – Jun 8
CollegeMar 9 – Mar 23May 25 – Jun 8
WasillaMar 7 – Mar 21May 23 – Jun 6
SitkaFeb 22 – Mar 8May 10 – May 24
LakesMar 7 – Mar 21May 23 – Jun 6
KetchikanJan 24 – Feb 7Apr 11 – Apr 25
TanainaMar 7 – Mar 21May 23 – Jun 6
KalifornskyApr 2 – Apr 16Jun 18 – Jul 2
KenaiMar 15 – Mar 29May 31 – Jun 14
Meadow LakesMar 7 – Mar 21May 23 – Jun 6
PalmerFeb 25 – Mar 11May 13 – May 27
Elmendorf Air Force BaseFeb 28 – Mar 14May 16 – May 30
BethelMar 12 – Mar 26May 28 – Jun 11
KodiakFeb 18 – Mar 4May 6 – May 20
SterlingMar 11 – Mar 25May 27 – Jun 10

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Alaska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Alaska cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in Alaska?

In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors May 23 – Jun 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 18 in Kalifornsky.

When is the last frost in Alaska?

The average last spring frost in Alaska ranges from April 4 in Ketchikan to June 11 in Kalifornsky, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do peppers take to grow?

Peppers typically take 60–90 days from planting to harvest. Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Other Crops in Alaska

When to plant peppers in other states

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