When to plant pepper in Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant pepper shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 18 in Boston to May 24 in North Adams — below are local dates for 89 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 7a | April 4 | November 9 | April 18 – April 25 |
| Worcester | 6a | April 23 | October 21 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Springfield | 6a | May 3 | October 8 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Cambridge | 6b | April 19 | October 23 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Lowell | 6b | April 30 | October 10 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Brockton | 6b | April 22 | October 19 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Quincy | 7a | April 25 | October 22 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Lynn | 7a | April 25 | October 20 | May 9 – May 16 |
Pepper in Massachusetts: FAQ
When can I plant pepper in Massachusetts?
Across Massachusetts, the time to transplant pepper spans roughly April 18 in Boston to May 24 in North Adams, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pepper planting date vary across Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts publishes 89 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 Massachusetts?
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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