BotaNotesSign in
    Free guide · USDA zones 3–10

    When to plant pepper 🌶️

    Pepper takes 60–90 days to mature, spaced 18" apart at 0.25" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.

    Planting dates by USDA zone

    ZoneStart indoorsTransplantHarvest
    Zone 3March 16 – March 30June 8 – June 22August 17 – September 28
    Zone 4March 6 – March 20May 29 – June 12August 7 – September 18
    Zone 5February 21 – March 6May 15 – May 29July 24 – September 4
    Zone 6February 5 – February 19April 29 – May 13July 8 – August 19
    Zone 7January 22 – February 5April 15 – April 29June 24 – August 5
    Zone 8January 5 – January 19March 29 – April 12June 7 – July 19
    Zone 9December 7 – December 21February 29 – March 14May 9 – June 20
    Zone 10November 21 – December 5February 13 – February 27April 23 – June 4

    Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.

    Get your personalized pepper planting dates

    Care tips

    • Wait until nights are above 55°F to transplant.
    • Pinch first flowers to boost root growth.
    • Feed lightly — too much nitrogen reduces fruit set.

    Good companions

    Basil, Onions, Carrots.

    Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables

    Track your pepper harvest with BotaNotes

    Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.

    Frequently asked questions

    When should I start pepper seeds indoors in zone 5?▾

    In USDA zone 5, start pepper seeds indoors between February 21 and March 6 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).

    When should I start pepper seeds indoors in zone 6?▾

    In USDA zone 6, start pepper seeds indoors between February 5 and February 19 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).

    When should I start pepper seeds indoors in zone 7?▾

    In USDA zone 7, start pepper seeds indoors between January 22 and February 5 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).

    When should I start pepper seeds indoors in zone 8?▾

    In USDA zone 8, start pepper seeds indoors between January 5 and January 19 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).

    When can I transplant pepper seedlings outdoors?▾

    Transplant pepper seedlings about 2–4 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 29–May 13.

    How long does pepper take to grow?▾

    Pepper typically takes 60–90 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 12–18 weeks after the last spring frost.

    Related reading

    More planting guides

    🍅 When to plant tomato🥒 When to plant cucumber🥒 When to plant zucchini🥬 When to plant lettuce🥬 When to plant spinach🥬 When to plant kale🥕 When to plant carrot🫜 When to plant beet🌶️ When to plant radish🧅 When to plant onion🧄 When to plant garlic🥔 When to plant potato
    Back to planting calendar