When to Plant Peppers in Nebraska
In a typical Nebraska location, start seeds indoors Feb 13 – Feb 27, then transplant outdoors May 1 – May 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Lincoln | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Bellevue | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Grand Island | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Kearney | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Fremont | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Hastings | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Norfolk | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| North Platte | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Columbus | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Papillion | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| La Vista | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Scottsbluff | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 15 – May 29 |
| South Sioux City | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Beatrice | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Chalco | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Lexington | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Alliance | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Gering | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Elkhorn | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant peppers in Nebraska?
In a typical Nebraska location, start seeds indoors Feb 13 – Feb 27, then transplant outdoors May 1 – May 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.
When is the last frost in Nebraska?
The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska
- 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