When to Plant Peppers in Washington
From sweet bells to fiery habaneros, peppers love heat and reward patience with prolific harvests.
The Short Answer
Washington Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Washington you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) | 8a, 8b | Mar 25 - Apr 15 | Oct 25 - Nov 15 |
| Puget Sound | 8b, 9a | Mar 15 - Apr 5 | Nov 1 - Nov 20 |
| Eastern Washington | 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a | Apr 25 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 15 |
| Central Washington | 6a, 6b, 7a | Apr 20 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 20 |
Peppers Planting Schedule for Washington
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20
Growing Peppers in Washington
State-Specific Growing Tips
In western Washington, peppers require every heat-maximizing trick available. Use black plastic mulch. Plant against south-facing walls. Use wall-of-water protectors for the first month. Choose containers over in-ground beds (containers warm faster). Don't transplant until June — even then, nighttime temperatures in the Puget Sound area may not consistently exceed 55°F. Season extension with row covers or a cold frame in September-October can add 4-6 crucial weeks. In eastern Washington, transplant from mid-May and enjoy conditions that peppers love: hot days, cool nights, low humidity, and intense sunshine. The Yakima Valley's volcanic soils with drip irrigation grow exceptional peppers.
Recommended Varieties for Washington
For western Washington, early and cool-tolerant varieties are mandatory. Ace (60 days), Gypsy (65 days), and Lipstick (sweet pimento, 73 days) are reliable in the Puget Sound region. Small hot peppers — Thai, Serrano, and small Jalapeños — produce better than large bells in western Washington. For eastern Washington, grow anything: full-size bells, Poblano, Anaheim, Habanero — the Yakima Valley's hot summers support them all. WSU Extension publishes variety trial results for both sides of the state.
Common Challenges in Washington
Western Washington's fundamental challenge is insufficient heat — not pests or disease. Cool, cloudy summers mean peppers grow slowly and fruits may not fully ripen. Grow more plants than you think you need to compensate for lower per-plant production. Aphids are common in both regions. In eastern Washington, spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions — overhead misting helps since humidity is low enough that fungal disease isn't a concern. Sunscald on exposed fruits occurs in the intense eastern Washington sun.
Growing Tips
Start seeds early — peppers are slow to germinate. Wait until nights are consistently above 55°F before transplanting.
Companion Planting
Plant peppers alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep peppers away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026