FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in South Dakota

In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then transplant outdoors May 13 – May 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Tea and as late as May 19 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.

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
Sioux FallsFeb 20 – Mar 6May 8 – May 22
Rapid CityFeb 22 – Mar 8May 10 – May 24
AberdeenFeb 27 – Mar 13May 15 – May 29
BrookingsFeb 25 – Mar 11May 13 – May 27
WatertownFeb 26 – Mar 12May 14 – May 28
MitchellFeb 21 – Mar 7May 9 – May 23
YanktonFeb 16 – Mar 2May 4 – May 18
PierreFeb 25 – Mar 11May 13 – May 27
HuronFeb 25 – Mar 11May 13 – May 27
SpearfishMar 3 – Mar 17May 19 – Jun 2
VermillionFeb 22 – Mar 8May 10 – May 24
BrandonFeb 20 – Mar 6May 8 – May 22
Box ElderMar 3 – Mar 17May 19 – Jun 2
Rapid ValleyFeb 22 – Mar 8May 10 – May 24
Ellsworth Air Force BaseMar 3 – Mar 17May 19 – Jun 2
MadisonFeb 24 – Mar 10May 12 – May 26
SturgisFeb 27 – Mar 13May 15 – May 29
Belle FourcheMar 1 – Mar 15May 17 – May 31
HarrisburgFeb 21 – Mar 7May 9 – May 23
TeaFeb 15 – Mar 1May 3 – May 17

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in South Dakota?

In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then transplant outdoors May 13 – May 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Tea and as late as May 19 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.

When is the last frost in South Dakota?

The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota

When to plant peppers in other states

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