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ZIP 93721 planting calendar

When to plant peppers in Fresno, CA - Zone 9b

In ZIP 93721, plant peppers around Mar 6; this uses the Fresno frost station, USDA zone 9b, and peppers timing rules.

Your Fresno calendar has a 278-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Fresno frost station, USDA zone 9b, and peppers timing rules.

Source: fresno-yosemite frost station, USDA zone 9b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 9b Fresno frost station University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Updated 2026-06-28
Read the method

Answer first

When to start peppers seeds indoors in Fresno

In ZIP 93721, start peppers seeds indoors around Dec 26, about 56 days before the Feb 20 last-frost estimate.

Start peppers seeds indoors in Fresno around Dec 26, about 56 days before the Feb 20 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Peppers dates for Fresno, CA

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsDecember 26, 2025Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 6, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Fresno?

Fresno (ZIP 93721) has an average last spring frost around Feb 20.

First frost

When is the first frost in Fresno?

The average first fall frost is around Nov 25, giving about 278 frost-free days.

Season map

Peppers windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start indoors
Dec 26
Transplant
Mar 6
Harvest
May 30
Frost watch
Sep 1

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start peppers indoorsDec 26
Last frost windowFeb 20
Transplant peppersMar 6
First peppers harvest windowMay 30
Last peppers sowing targetSep 1
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateFebruary 20, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateNovember 25, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length278 daysLonger seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing18 inAirflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature65 F+Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Fresno frost history and USDA zone 9b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Peppers timing notes

Peppers stall in cold soil, so wait for warm nights. Peppers prefers full sun, 18 in spacing, and soil near 65 F+.

For fall, count backward from Nov 25. A conservative last sowing target is around Sep 1.