Planting Guides

When to Plant Peppers in Seattle: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 8b

Seattle, Washington

USDA Zone 8b

Last Frost: Mar 15

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when to plant peppers in Seattle with specific dates for Zone 8b. Compare 8 varieties, get a complete timeline, and discover which peppers grow best in Washington's maritime climate.

MMike Thompson

October 30, 2025

When to plant peppers in Seattle - healthy pepper plants growing in Zone 8b garden — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Start pepper seeds indoors January 14-28 in Seattle. Transplant outdoors April 28-May 5 after last frost. Choose cool-season varieties like Shishito for best results.

TL;DR

Start pepper seeds indoors January 14-28 for Seattle's Zone 8b climate. Transplant outdoors April 28-May 5 after soil warms to 60°F. Seattle's cool nights and maritime climate favor early varieties like Shishito and Sweet Banana over heat-lovers like Habanero.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start pepper seeds indoors in Seattle?

Start pepper seeds 10-12 weeks before transplanting, which means January 14-28 for Seattle. Use bottom heat to maintain 80-85°F soil temperature for germination. The early start is necessary because peppers need maximum time to mature fruit before fall weather returns.

What pepper varieties grow best in Seattle's Zone 8b climate?

Shishito, Sweet Banana, and Early Jalapeño are the most reliable varieties for Seattle. These mature in 60-75 days and tolerate cool nights better than large bell peppers. Avoid superhot varieties like Habanero unless growing in containers or greenhouses.

Can I grow bell peppers successfully in Seattle?

Bell peppers are challenging in Seattle due to our cool nights and limited heat units. Choose early varieties like Gypsy (65-75 days) instead of standard bells that need 85+ days. Plant against south-facing walls for maximum heat accumulation.

When is it safe to transplant pepper seedlings outdoors in Seattle?

Transplant April 28 - May 5 when soil temperature reaches 60°F at 4-inch depth and night temperatures stay above 50°F consistently. Even though our last frost averages March 14, soil temperatures don't warm adequately until late April.

Why do my pepper flowers keep dropping in Seattle?

Flower drop occurs when night temperatures fall below 55°F, which happens frequently in Seattle even during summer. Choose cool-tolerant varieties like Shishito and Sweet Banana, or provide microclimatic protection near warm surfaces like south-facing walls.

Should I grow peppers in containers or ground in Seattle?

Container growing often works better in Seattle because black pots absorb solar heat and warm the root zone faster than our cool ground soil. Use minimum 5-gallon black containers with excellent drainage. This gives you 2-3 weeks longer growing season.

How do I ripen green peppers before Seattle's fall rains?

Harvest green peppers in early November and ripen them indoors using the green tomato method. Place peppers in paper bags with ripe apples - the ethylene gas helps complete the ripening process. This works well for varieties that need extra time to reach full color.

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Written By

Mike Thompson

Mike's been designing residential landscapes in the Seattle area, with a particular focus on Pacific Northwest natives and sustainable practices. He's a Washington State Master Gardener and worked in construction before landscaping, which gives him a practical edge when it comes to building raised beds and hardscaping projects. He runs a small side business propagating and selling unusual perennials at farmers markets on weekends. His property serves as a testing ground for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly garden designs. Mike's philosophy: if it requires weekly maintenance, it's not sustainable.