FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Arizona

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Dec 5 – Dec 19, then transplant outdoors Feb 20 – Mar 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

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
PhoenixOct 27 – Nov 10Jan 12 – Jan 26
TucsonNov 11 – Nov 25Jan 27 – Feb 10
MesaDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 20 – Mar 6
ChandlerDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 20 – Mar 6
GilbertDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 20 – Mar 6
GlendaleNov 11 – Nov 25Jan 27 – Feb 10
ScottsdaleDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 20 – Mar 6
PeoriaNov 11 – Nov 25Jan 27 – Feb 10
TempeDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 20 – Mar 6
Tempe JunctionDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 20 – Mar 6
SurpriseNov 11 – Nov 25Jan 27 – Feb 10
YumaOct 30 – Nov 13Jan 15 – Jan 29
San Tan ValleyNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 8 – Feb 22
AvondaleOct 29 – Nov 12Jan 14 – Jan 28
GoodyearOct 29 – Nov 12Jan 14 – Jan 28
FlagstaffMar 26 – Apr 9Jun 11 – Jun 25
Casas AdobesDec 18 – Jan 1Mar 5 – Mar 19
Lake Havasu CityOct 27 – Nov 10Jan 12 – Jan 26
Casa GrandeNov 27 – Dec 11Feb 12 – Feb 26
BuckeyeOct 29 – Nov 12Jan 14 – Jan 28
Catalina FoothillsDec 12 – Dec 26Feb 27 – Mar 13
MaricopaDec 15 – Dec 29Mar 2 – Mar 16
Oro ValleyJan 22 – Feb 5Apr 9 – Apr 23
Sierra VistaJan 25 – Feb 8Apr 12 – Apr 26
Prescott ValleyFeb 9 – Feb 23Apr 27 – May 11
PrescottFeb 19 – Mar 5May 7 – May 21
MaranaDec 15 – Dec 29Mar 2 – Mar 16
Bullhead CityOct 26 – Nov 9Jan 11 – Jan 25
Apache JunctionDec 3 – Dec 17Feb 18 – Mar 4
Sun CityNov 11 – Nov 25Jan 27 – Feb 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 72 Arizona cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Arizona cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in Arizona?

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Dec 5 – Dec 19, then transplant outdoors Feb 20 – Mar 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Arizona?

The average last spring frost in Arizona ranges from January 4 in Bullhead City to June 4 in Flagstaff, 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 Arizona

When to plant peppers in other states

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