When to plant peppers

Peppers (warm-season fruiting vegetable) is classed very tender in the cited extension guidance. The timing rules below are relative to your local freeze dates — enter a location to turn them into calendar dates.

The rules this site applies
MethodFrost-relative windowRule & reconciliation
Start seeds indoors8–6 weeks before the median last spring freezeSow 8–10 weeks before the transplant window opens (UNH 8–10 weeks; Missouri G6570 8–10 weeks in pots).
Transplant outdoors2–4 weeks after the median last spring freezeUNH: set out 2 weeks after last frost. Purdue: very tender — plant at least two weeks after the average last frost. Point rule given a 14-day span.

Seed germination soil temperature: optimum 85°F (optimum range 65–95°F); minimum 60°F, maximum 95°F. Purdue HO-186-W Table 3. Cold soil below the minimum rots seed — a reason windows and soil readings both matter.

Variety assumption: Assumes an average bell/chile variety (roughly 65–80 days from transplant).

Crop rule sources (3)
Reviewed city pages for peppers
Related crops

Eggplant · Potatoes · Tomatoes · Basil · Cucumbers · Melons & cantaloupe