When to Plant Peppers in North Dakota

In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 1 – Mar 15, then transplant outdoors May 17 – May 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 11 in Wahpeton and as late as May 28 in Beulah.

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
FargoFeb 24 – Mar 10May 12 – May 26
BismarckMar 1 – Mar 15May 17 – May 31
Grand ForksMar 1 – Mar 15May 17 – May 31
MinotMar 1 – Mar 15May 17 – May 31
West FargoMar 1 – Mar 15May 17 – May 31
WillistonMar 12 – Mar 26May 28 – Jun 11
DickinsonMar 11 – Mar 25May 27 – Jun 10
MandanMar 4 – Mar 18May 20 – Jun 3
JamestownFeb 27 – Mar 13May 15 – May 29
WahpetonFeb 23 – Mar 9May 11 – May 25
Devils LakeFeb 25 – Mar 11May 13 – May 27
Watford CityFeb 28 – Mar 14May 16 – May 30
Valley CityMar 4 – Mar 18May 20 – Jun 3
Minot Air Force BaseMar 2 – Mar 16May 18 – Jun 1
GraftonFeb 23 – Mar 9May 11 – May 25
LincolnMar 5 – Mar 19May 21 – Jun 4
BeulahMar 12 – Mar 26May 28 – Jun 11
RugbyMar 8 – Mar 22May 24 – Jun 7
StanleyMar 8 – Mar 22May 24 – Jun 7
HoraceFeb 23 – Mar 9May 11 – May 25

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 North Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Dakota cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in North Dakota?

In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 1 – Mar 15, then transplant outdoors May 17 – May 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 11 in Wahpeton and as late as May 28 in Beulah.

When is the last frost in North Dakota?

The average last spring frost in North Dakota ranges from May 4 in Wahpeton to May 21 in Beulah, 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 North Dakota

When to plant peppers in other states

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