FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Rhode Island

In a typical Rhode Island location, start seeds indoors Jan 31 – Feb 14, then transplant outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Newport and as late as May 8 in Narragansett.

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
ProvidenceJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
WarwickJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
CranstonJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
PawtucketFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
East ProvidenceJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
WoonsocketFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
CoventryFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
CumberlandFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
North ProvidenceJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
South KingstownFeb 20 – Mar 6May 8 – May 22
West WarwickFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
JohnstonJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
North KingstownFeb 16 – Mar 2May 4 – May 18
NewportJan 27 – Feb 10Apr 14 – Apr 28
BristolJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
SmithfieldFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
LincolnFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
Central FallsFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
WesterlyJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
PortsmouthJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
MiddletownJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
BarringtonJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
NarragansettFeb 20 – Mar 6May 8 – May 22
East GreenwichJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
Newport EastJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
Valley FallsFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
WarrenJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
North SmithfieldFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 29 – May 13
North ScituateFeb 14 – Feb 28May 2 – May 16

Showing the 29 most populous of 29 Rhode Island cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Rhode Island cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in Rhode Island?

In a typical Rhode Island location, start seeds indoors Jan 31 – Feb 14, then transplant outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Newport and as late as May 8 in Narragansett.

When is the last frost in Rhode Island?

The average last spring frost in Rhode Island ranges from April 7 in Newport to May 1 in Narragansett, 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 Rhode Island

When to plant peppers in other states

Related Guides