Planting Guides

When to Plant Peppers in Minneapolis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 4a

Minneapolis, Minnesota

USDA Zone 4a

Last Frost: May 15

Last updated: December 8, 2025

Plant peppers in Minneapolis May 21-28 after soil warms to 60°F. Zone 4a's short season requires fast-maturing varieties and season extension techniques.

AAmanda Foster

December 8, 2025

Transplanting pepper seedlings in Minneapolis garden with row covers for Zone 4a protection — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Start pepper seeds indoors March 16-23 in Minneapolis. Transplant outdoors May 21-28 after soil reaches 60°F consistently.

TL;DR

Plant peppers in Minneapolis May 21-28 after soil reaches 60°F and night temperatures stay above 50°F. Choose fast-maturing varieties like Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' and Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' that can ripen in 138 days before September 29 first frost. Use black plastic mulch and row covers to maximize heat accumulation in Zone 4a's challenging climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the last safe date to plant peppers outdoors in Minneapolis?

Plant peppers in Minneapolis by May 28 at the latest. Planting later than this doesn't allow sufficient time for fruit development and ripening before the September 29 average first frost date. For best results, stick to the May 21-28 window when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F.

Can I grow hot peppers like habaneros successfully in Minneapolis?

Hot peppers like Capsicum chinense 'Habanero' are extremely challenging in Minneapolis due to their 90-120 day maturity requirement. Zone 4a's 138-day growing season leaves little margin for error. Focus on faster-maturing hot varieties like Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' or Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' for reliable heat and harvest success.

What's the best way to protect pepper plants from late spring frosts in Minneapolis?

Use Wall O' Water cloches or row covers when temperatures drop below 45°F at night. These protection methods can provide 10-15°F of frost protection. I also recommend covering plants if overnight temperatures are forecast below 50°F, as peppers can suffer cold damage even above freezing. Keep protection materials handy through mid-June for unexpected cold snaps.

Should I start pepper seeds earlier than March to get a longer growing season?

Starting seeds before mid-March often backfires in Minneapolis. Seedlings started too early become leggy and stressed under indoor lights, then suffer more transplant shock. The 8-week window from March 16-23 to May 21-28 transplanting provides optimal seedling development. Focus on variety selection and season extension techniques rather than earlier seeding.

How do I know when soil is warm enough for transplanting peppers?

Use a soil thermometer to check 4-inch depth temperatures. Soil must consistently reach 60°F before transplanting peppers in Minneapolis. This typically occurs May 21-28, about one week after our average last frost date of May 14. Cold soil below 60°F causes transplant shock, stunted growth, and purple-tinged leaves that can delay harvest by weeks.

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Tagged with

#pepper planting #Minneapolis gardening #Zone 4a #vegetable gardening #seed starting #frost protection #growing season #Minnesota gardening #pepper varieties #cold climate gardening

Written By

Amanda Foster

Amanda came to gardening through an unexpected route—after developing chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis in her late 20s, she started researching adaptive gardening techniques that would allow her to continue growing plants without aggravating her condition. Now based in Minneapolis, she writes about accessible gardening, raised bed designs for people with mobility challenges, and ergonomic tools that reduce strain. Amanda completed a certificate in sustainable urban agriculture and volunteers with a nonprofit that builds accessible community gardens. She grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers in waist-high raised beds she designed herself. Her writing focuses on practical solutions that work for real people with real limitations—whether that's arthritis, limited mobility, or just a bad back.