When to Plant Peppers in New Hampshire
In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8, then transplant outdoors May 10 – May 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Salem and as late as May 21 in Berlin.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Nashua | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Concord | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 15 – May 29 |
| East Concord | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Derry Village | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Dover | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Rochester | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Salem | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Merrimack | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Keene | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Derry | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Portsmouth | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Bedford | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Laconia | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Lebanon | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Windham | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Claremont | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Pelham | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Somersworth | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Londonderry | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Durham | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Hampton | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Berlin | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Exeter | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 11 – May 25 |
Showing the 24 most populous of 24 New Hampshire cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New Hampshire cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant peppers in New Hampshire?
In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8, then transplant outdoors May 10 – May 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Salem and as late as May 21 in Berlin.
When is the last frost in New Hampshire?
The average last spring frost in New Hampshire ranges from April 21 in Salem to May 14 in Berlin, 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 New Hampshire
- 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