Washington · zones 6b–9a
When to plant bell peppers in Washington.
Sow or transplant between Apr 30 to Jun 21 in a typical year, keyed to Washington's median last frost around Apr 14. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Bell Peppers dates for a typical Washington season.
1 · Start indoors
Mar 19 to May 10
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Apr 30 to Jun 21
Keyed to the ~Apr 14 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 18" apart.
Harvest
~70 days later
~4 lb per plant over ~8 weeks.
Washington spans more than one climate: Zone 8 is the most common zone, but the state runs 6b to 9a. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone — mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.