FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in District of Columbia

In a typical District of Columbia location, start seeds indoors Jan 18 – Feb 1, then transplant outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 31 in Washington and as late as Apr 16 in Chevy Chase.

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
WashingtonJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 31 – Apr 14
Downtown DCJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Columbia HeightsJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Mount PleasantJan 29 – Feb 12Apr 16 – Apr 30
Central 14th Street / Spring RoadJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Northwest OneJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Foggy BottomJan 29 – Feb 12Apr 16 – Apr 30
Mount Vernon TriangleJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
H Street NEJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Pleasant PlainsJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
NoMaJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
PetworthJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Capitol RiverfrontJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 31 – Apr 14
Park ViewJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Golden TriangleJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 31 – Apr 14
ShawJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
BrightwoodJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Adams MorganJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Kennedy StreetJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Southwest WaterfrontJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 31 – Apr 14
Barracks RowJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Union MarketJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
AnacostiaJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 31 – Apr 14
Colorado TriangleJan 29 – Feb 12Apr 16 – Apr 30
Brentwood VillageJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
The WharfJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 31 – Apr 14
Central 14th Street / WMATA Northern Bus BarnJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
Van NessJan 29 – Feb 12Apr 16 – Apr 30
Benning RoadJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
HillcrestJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19

Showing the 30 most populous of 35 District of Columbia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all District of Columbia cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in District of Columbia?

In a typical District of Columbia location, start seeds indoors Jan 18 – Feb 1, then transplant outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 31 in Washington and as late as Apr 16 in Chevy Chase.

When is the last frost in District of Columbia?

The average last spring frost in District of Columbia ranges from March 24 in Washington to April 9 in Chevy Chase, 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 District of Columbia

When to plant peppers in other states

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