When to Plant Pepper (Bell) in Zone 3a

Capsicum annuum

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Pepper (Bell) in Zone 3a

  • Start indoors: Mar 10
  • Transplant: Jun 1 — after last frost (May 22)
  • First harvest: Aug 1 (60–90 days)
⚠️ Zone 3a last frost: May 22. Don't plant frost-sensitive crops before this date.
Last frost
May 22
First frost
Sep 8
Growing season
109 days
Zone 3a is the colder half of Zone 3

Zone 3a has a last frost around May 22 and first frost around Sep 8, giving you approximately 109 growing days. This is about 2 weeks shorter than Zone 3b. For more details see the Zone 3 complete guide.

Other Zones for Pepper (Bell)

Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10Zone 11Zone 12Zone 13
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.