When should I plant peppers in ZIP 97204?

In ZIP 97204, the main peppers target is around Apr 15, based on the representative Portland frost station and USDA zone 9a.

When should I start peppers seeds indoors in 97204?

Start peppers seeds indoors in ZIP 97204 around Feb 4, about 56 days before the Apr 1 last-frost estimate.

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

ZIP 97204 planting calendar

When to plant peppers in Portland, OR - Zone 9a

Q: When is the first frost in Portland?

Portland (ZIP 97204) has an average first fall frost around Nov 10, leaving about 223 frost-free days.

In ZIP 97204, plant peppers around Apr 15; this uses the Portland frost station, USDA zone 9a, and peppers timing rules.

Your Portland calendar has a 223-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Portland frost station, USDA zone 9a, and peppers timing rules.

Source: portland-intl frost station, USDA zone 9a, 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 9a Portland frost station Oregon State University Extension Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start peppers seeds indoors in Portland

In ZIP 97204, start peppers seeds indoors around Feb 4, about 56 days before the Apr 1 last-frost estimate.

Start peppers seeds indoors in Portland around Feb 4, about 56 days before the Apr 1 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Peppers dates for Portland, OR

Step	Date	How to use it
Start Indoors	February 4, 2026	Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant Outdoors	April 15, 2026	Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Portland?

Portland (ZIP 97204) has an average last spring frost around Apr 1.

First frost

When is the first frost in Portland?

The average first fall frost is around Nov 10, giving about 223 frost-free days.

Season map

Peppers windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Start indoors

Feb 4

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jul 9

Frost watch

Aug 17

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start peppers indoorsFeb 4

Last frost windowApr 1

Transplant peppersApr 15

First peppers harvest windowJul 9

Last peppers sowing targetAug 17

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	April 1, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	November 10, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	223 days	Longer seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing	18 in	Airflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature	65 F+	Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

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

Oregon State University Extension 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 10. A conservative last sowing target is around Aug 17.