FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Idaho

In a typical Idaho location, start seeds indoors Feb 19 – Mar 5, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Lewiston and as late as May 24 in Eagle. 2 cities in Idaho 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
BoiseFeb 13 – Feb 27May 1 – May 15
MeridianFeb 13 – Feb 27May 1 – May 15
NampaFeb 18 – Mar 4May 6 – May 20
Idaho FallsFeb 28 – Mar 14May 16 – May 30
PocatelloFeb 21 – Mar 7May 9 – May 23
CaldwellFeb 12 – Feb 26Apr 30 – May 14
Coeur d'AleneFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
Twin FallsFeb 19 – Mar 5May 7 – May 21
LewistonJan 26 – Feb 9Apr 13 – Apr 27
Lewiston OrchardsJan 26 – Feb 9Apr 13 – Apr 27
Post FallsFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
RexburgMar 6 – Mar 20May 22 – Jun 5
MoscowFrost-free: year-round planting
EagleMar 8 – Mar 22May 24 – Jun 7
CondaFrost-free: year-round planting
KunaFeb 13 – Feb 27May 1 – May 15
AmmonFeb 28 – Mar 14May 16 – May 30
ChubbuckFeb 21 – Mar 7May 9 – May 23
HaydenFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
Mountain HomeFeb 21 – Mar 7May 9 – May 23
BlackfootFeb 24 – Mar 10May 12 – May 26
Garden CityFeb 13 – Feb 27May 1 – May 15
JeromeFeb 21 – Mar 7May 9 – May 23
BurleyFeb 26 – Mar 12May 14 – May 28

Showing the 24 most populous of 24 Idaho cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Idaho cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in Idaho?

In a typical Idaho location, start seeds indoors Feb 19 – Mar 5, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Lewiston and as late as May 24 in Eagle. 2 cities in Idaho are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Idaho?

The average last spring frost in Idaho ranges from April 6 in Lewiston to May 17 in Eagle, 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 Idaho

When to plant peppers in other states

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