When to Plant Peppers in Alaska
In Alaska, the time to transplant peppers outside runs from Apr 18 – May 2 in Ketchikan to Jun 7 – Jun 21 in Kenai. In Anchorage, it's May 30 – Jun 13. The average last spring frost differs by about 7 weeks across the state (Apr 4 in Ketchikan, May 24 in Kenai), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Peppers need even more warmth than tomatoes. Start them early indoors and set them out once the soil has warmed, two to four weeks after the last frost.
- Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant outside: 2–4 weeks after the last frost.
Peppers planting dates in Alaska by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 5a | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Bethel | 4a | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Fairbanks | 2a | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Homer | 6a | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Juneau | 6a | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Kenai | 4b | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Ketchikan | 8a | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Kodiak | 7b | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Palmer | 5a | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Sitka | 7b | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Wasilla | 5a | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Alaska, or the general guide to when to plant peppers.
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