FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Washington

In a typical Washington location, start seeds indoors Jan 13 – Jan 27, then transplant outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 8 in Port Townsend and as late as Jun 6 in Cheney.

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
SeattleJan 2 – Jan 16Mar 20 – Apr 3
Tri-CitiesFeb 16 – Mar 2May 4 – May 18
SpokaneFeb 15 – Mar 1May 3 – May 17
TacomaDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
VancouverJan 18 – Feb 1Apr 5 – Apr 19
BellevueDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
KentJan 9 – Jan 23Mar 27 – Apr 10
EverettJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 31 – Apr 14
RentonJan 2 – Jan 16Mar 20 – Apr 3
Federal WayDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
Spokane ValleyFeb 15 – Mar 1May 3 – May 17
YakimaFeb 27 – Mar 13May 15 – May 29
KirklandDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
BellinghamJan 21 – Feb 4Apr 8 – Apr 22
KennewickJan 17 – Jan 31Apr 4 – Apr 18
AuburnJan 9 – Jan 23Mar 27 – Apr 10
PascoJan 17 – Jan 31Apr 4 – Apr 18
MarysvilleJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 31 – Apr 14
RedmondDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
LakewoodDec 31 – Jan 14Mar 18 – Apr 1
OlympiaFeb 18 – Mar 4May 6 – May 20
ShorelineDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
RichlandJan 26 – Feb 9Apr 13 – Apr 27
South HillJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 18 – May 2
SammamishDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
BurienDec 22 – Jan 5Mar 9 – Mar 23
LaceyFeb 18 – Mar 4May 6 – May 20
City of SammamishJan 19 – Feb 2Apr 6 – Apr 20
BothellDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
EdmondsDec 29 – Jan 12Mar 16 – Mar 30

Showing the 30 most populous of 133 Washington cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Washington cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in Washington?

In a typical Washington location, start seeds indoors Jan 13 – Jan 27, then transplant outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 8 in Port Townsend and as late as Jun 6 in Cheney.

When is the last frost in Washington?

The average last spring frost in Washington ranges from March 1 in Port Townsend to May 30 in Cheney, 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 Washington

When to plant peppers in other states

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