When to plant pepper in New Hampshire
New Hampshire spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant pepper shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about May 13 in Nashua to May 28 in Keene — below are local dates for 15 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 6a | April 30 | October 11 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Nashua | 6a | April 29 | October 8 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Concord | 5b | May 8 | October 3 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Dover | 6a | May 3 | October 10 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Rochester | 6a | April 30 | October 9 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Keene | 5b | May 14 | October 1 | May 28 – June 4 |
| Portsmouth | 6a | May 4 | October 8 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Derry | 6a | April 30 | October 11 | May 14 – May 21 |
Pepper in New Hampshire: FAQ
When can I plant pepper in New Hampshire?
Across New Hampshire, the time to transplant pepper spans roughly May 13 in Nashua to May 28 in Keene, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pepper planting date vary across New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire publishes 15 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 New Hampshire?
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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