When to Plant Peppers in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the time to transplant peppers outside runs from Apr 21 – May 5 in Newport to May 6 – May 20 in Pawtucket. In Providence, it's Apr 25 – May 9. The average last spring frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (Apr 7 in Newport, Apr 22 in Pawtucket), 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 Rhode Island by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Falls | 7a | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Cranston | 7a | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| East Providence | 7a | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Newport | 7a | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Pawtucket | 7a | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Providence | 7a | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Warwick | 7a | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Woonsocket | 6b | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 |
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 Rhode Island, or the general guide to when to plant peppers.
Getting beds ready? Work out how much raised bed soil, compost or mulch you need with our sister site, Yard Coverage.