When to Plant Bell Pepper in Washington, District of Columbia (20521)
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
ZIP Code
20521
USDA Zone
8a
Last Frost
Friday, March 20, 2026
📅 Planting Calendar
Start Seeds Indoors Friday, January 23, 2026
Transplant Outdoors Friday, April 3, 2026
Pro Tip: Start Bell Pepper seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date for best results.
🌿 Plant Details
Scientific Name Capsicum annuum
Days to Maturity 70 days
Mature Height 18-24"
Spread 18"
Type Bush
Fruit Size Medium (4-6 oz)
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
💧
Water
Regular (1-2 inches/week)
↔️
Spacing
18" apart
🌱
Planting Depth
0.25" deep
Seeds typically germinate in 8-14 days
🤝 Good Companions
TomatoBasilCarrotOnionParsley
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
FennelKohlrabiBrassicas
Other Plants for Washington
Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bok Choy Broccoli Brussel Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini
Growing Bell Pepper in Zone 8a
Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Washington, District of Columbia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 23, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Bell Pepper seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.