FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in California

In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Nov 7 – Nov 21, then transplant outdoors Jan 23 – Feb 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 5 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 3 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California 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
Los AngelesFrost-free: year-round planting
San DiegoFrost-free: year-round planting
San JoseOct 24 – Nov 7Jan 9 – Jan 23
San FranciscoFrost-free: year-round planting
FresnoNov 5 – Nov 19Jan 21 – Feb 4
SacramentoNov 3 – Nov 17Jan 19 – Feb 2
Long BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
OaklandFrost-free: year-round planting
BakersfieldNov 22 – Dec 6Feb 7 – Feb 21
AnaheimFrost-free: year-round planting
RiversideOct 31 – Nov 14Jan 16 – Jan 30
Santa AnaFrost-free: year-round planting
StocktonNov 27 – Dec 11Feb 12 – Feb 26
Chula VistaFrost-free: year-round planting
IrvineFrost-free: year-round planting
FremontOct 29 – Nov 12Jan 14 – Jan 28
San BernardinoNov 18 – Dec 2Feb 3 – Feb 17
FontanaNov 1 – Nov 15Jan 17 – Jan 31
ModestoNov 22 – Dec 6Feb 7 – Feb 21
OxnardFrost-free: year-round planting
Moreno ValleyNov 18 – Dec 2Feb 3 – Feb 17
Huntington BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
GlendaleOct 24 – Nov 7Jan 9 – Jan 23
Santa ClaritaOct 30 – Nov 13Jan 15 – Jan 29
Santa RosaDec 17 – Dec 31Mar 4 – Mar 18
OceansideFrost-free: year-round planting
Garden GroveFrost-free: year-round planting
Rancho CucamongaOct 26 – Nov 9Jan 11 – Jan 25
OntarioOct 26 – Nov 9Jan 11 – Jan 25
Elk GroveNov 24 – Dec 8Feb 9 – Feb 23

Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in California?

In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Nov 7 – Nov 21, then transplant outdoors Jan 23 – Feb 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 5 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 3 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in California?

The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, 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 California

When to plant peppers in other states

Related Guides