When to Plant Peppers in North Dakota
In North Dakota, the time to transplant peppers outside runs from May 18 – Jun 1 in Fargo to Jun 4 – Jun 18 in Williston. In Fargo, it's May 18 – Jun 1. The average last spring frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (May 4 in Fargo, May 21 in Williston), 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 North Dakota by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | 4a | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Devils Lake | 4a | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Dickinson | 4b | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Fargo | 4a | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Grand Forks | 4a | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Horace | 4a | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Jamestown | 4b | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Mandan | 4a | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Minot | 4a | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Valley City | 4a | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Wahpeton | 4a | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Watford City | 4a | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| West Fargo | 4a | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Williston | 4a | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
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 North Dakota, or the general guide to when to plant peppers.
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