When to Plant Peppers in Kentucky
In a typical Kentucky location, start seeds indoors Feb 1 – Feb 15, then transplant outdoors Apr 19 – May 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Louisville and as late as May 8 in Shelbyville.
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
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Lexington | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Lexington-Fayette | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Meads | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Bowling Green | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Owensboro | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Covington | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Richmond | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Georgetown | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Florence | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Hopkinsville | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Nicholasville | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Elizabethtown | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Henderson | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Frankfort | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Jeffersontown | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Independence | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Paducah | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Valley Station | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Radcliff | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Ashland | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Newburg | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Madisonville | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Murray | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Erlanger | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Winchester | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Fern Creek | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Saint Matthews | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Okolona | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Danville | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant peppers in Kentucky?
In a typical Kentucky location, start seeds indoors Feb 1 – Feb 15, then transplant outdoors Apr 19 – May 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Louisville and as late as May 8 in Shelbyville.
When is the last frost in Kentucky?
The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky
- Tomatoes
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant peppers in other states