When to plant pepper in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 5 · Transplant May 14 · First harvest Jul 23 · Wrap by Oct 1

Last spring frostApr 30

Start seeds indoorsMar 5

Transplant outMay 14

First harvestJul 23

Last harvestOct 1

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 6a?

Pepper matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 6a that means setting plants out around May 14 and first picking around Jul 23.

Will pepper survive frost in zone 6a?

No — pepper is frost-sensitive. In zone 6a, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 30) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full pepper growing guide →