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Can You Grow Chili Pepper in Washington?

US · USDA Zone 8b · zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Grows well here

Chili peppers thrive here — expect a productive harvest through the warm months.

Plant zones

4a–11b

Washington last frost

late January

Washington first frost

mid-December

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Chili Peppers in Washington

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 30

Harvest

Apr 5 – Apr 20

Dates are approximate, based on Washington's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Chili Pepper

Chili peppers are drought-tolerant once established and highly productive in warm sunny conditions.

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Chilies love heat — the hotter the summer the hotter the pepper. Great for containers on south-facing balconies.

Full chili pepper growing guide →

Gardening in Washington

Washington has dramatically different climates. The wet maritime west (Zone 8a-8b) is mild and productive year-round. Eastern Washington is semi-arid and colder (Zone 5-6) with hot dry summers.

See what grows well in Washington →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Chili Pepper in Washington?

Chili peppers thrive here — expect a productive harvest through the warm months.

What zone is Washington?

Washington spans USDA Zone 8b (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).

When do you plant Chili Peppers in Washington?

Plant Chili Peppers around late January (start indoors Jan 1), harvest Apr 5 – Apr 20.