When to plant pepper in zone 7b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7B

Growing SeasonZone 7b

Last frost ~Apr 5First frost ~Nov 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 8 · Transplant Apr 19 · First harvest Jun 28 · Wrap by Sep 6

Last spring frostApr 5

Start seeds indoorsFeb 8

Transplant outApr 19

First harvestJun 28

Last harvestSep 6

First fall frostNov 1

Why these dates work in zone 7b

Zone 7b's last spring frost averages Apr 5 and first fall frost Nov 1 — about 210 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 7b?

Pepper matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 7b that means setting plants out around Apr 19 and first picking around Jun 28.

Will pepper survive frost in zone 7b?

No — pepper is frost-sensitive. In zone 7b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 5) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 1).

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