When to plant pepper in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant pepper shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 14 in Shively to May 15 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | April 20 – April 27 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | April 27 – May 4 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | April 19 – April 26 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | April 16 – April 23 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 30 – May 7 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 29 – May 6 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | May 2 – May 9 |
Pepper in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant pepper in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to transplant pepper spans roughly April 14 in Shively to May 15 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pepper planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right pepper planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does pepper take to grow in Kentucky?
Pepper takes about 60–90 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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