Last spring frostMay 6
Start seeds indoorsMar 11
Transplant outMay 20
First harvestJul 29
Last harvestOct 7
First fall frostOct 22
Why these dates work in zone 3b
Zone 3b's last spring frost averages May 6 and first fall frost Oct 22 — about 169 frost-free days. Pepper is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 8 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.
Common questions
How long does pepper take to grow in zone 3b?
Pepper matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 3b that means setting plants out around May 20 and first picking around Jul 29.
Will pepper survive frost in zone 3b?
No — pepper is frost-sensitive. In zone 3b, wait until after the last frost (around May 6) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 22).
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full pepper growing guide →