Pepper

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Pepper to a garden.

A glossy, lantern-bright bell that catches the light with every turn—this Pepper variety ripens in a vivid, sweet crescendo and fills the garden with a clean, aromatic fragrance.

The flesh is crisp and substantial, with a satisfying snap and a gentle, sweet flavor that shines in fresh salads, roasted displays, and vibrant sauces. Grow it for colorful market-ready harvests at about 70 days, when the fruits hold their shape beautifully on the plant.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Bush

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Pepper Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Mar 30th	Jul 20th	Sep 28th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Sep 18th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Sep 18th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 24th	Jul 14th	Sep 22nd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Sep 18th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 18th	Jul 8th	Sep 16th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 13th	Jul 3rd	Sep 11th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 9th	Jun 29th	Sep 7th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 6th	Jun 26th	Sep 4th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Feb 28th	Jun 20th	Aug 29th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Feb 23rd	Jun 15th	Aug 24th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 13th	Jun 5th	Aug 14th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 4th	May 27th	Aug 5th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Jan 26th	May 18th	Jul 27th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 9th	May 1st	Jul 10th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 15th	Apr 6th	Jun 15th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	Continuous Production
Zone 10b	Continuous Production
Zone 11a	Continuous Production
Zone 11b	Continuous Production
Zone 12a	Continuous Production
Zone 12b	Continuous Production
Zone 13a	Continuous Production
Zone 13b	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

A bell pepper wants heat and time just long enough to coax sugars out—overcook and the crisp walls go soft and watery. This variety’s sweet snap makes it a champion for blistering, where it chars at the edges while staying structurally good for bites.

Best Uses

high-heat blistering for charred sweetness without collapsing
raw strips in crunchy salads and slaws
stuffing and roasting until tender but still sliceable
quick sauté for glossy, still-crisp stir-fries

Flavor Profile

crisp, juicy snap sweet, peppery bite (mild to moderate) green-herb edge when under-ripened walls stay firm in heat

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil lime chicken cheddar

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pepper disease or pest in home gardens, and how can I prevent it?

A very common problem for Capsicum annuum is aphids or whiteflies, which cause leaf curling and can spread virus. Start by spraying the undersides of leaves with a strong water jet and using insecticidal soap when you first see colonies; keep plants off the ground and avoid overhead watering to reduce stress and secondary issues like fungal spots.

How often should I water peppers during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?

During active growth and flowering, water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil dries, usually every 2–4 days depending on heat and container size. Keep moisture steady—peppers dislike swings—so that blossoms don’t drop and fruit doesn’t develop poorly.

How do I know when Capsicum annuum is ready to harvest?

Harvest sweet peppers when they reach full size and the color you want (green for early harvest, or red/yellow for fully mature fruit). Hot peppers are typically ready when the pods are firm, glossy, and have fully changed to their final color; taste-test one if you’re unsure, since heat can deepen as they mature.

What soil preparation and feeding schedule works best for Capsicum annuum?

Before planting, mix compost into the bed and ensure the soil drains well to prevent root stress in Solanaceae. Feed with a balanced vegetable fertilizer after plants establish (about 2–3 weeks after transplant), then switch to a low-nitrogen formula or bloom-focused feed once flowers appear to support fruit set without excessive leafy growth.

Should I start pepper plants from seed indoors or direct-sow, and what spacing is best?

Because Capsicum annuum benefits from warm germination (around 80°F), start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or direct-sow only when soil is consistently warm. Space transplants 18–24 inches apart in-row (and about 24–36 inches between rows); thin seedlings to the same distance if you direct-sow.

What’s a common beginner mistake with peppers, and when does it usually happen?

A frequent timing mistake is planting too early: peppers won’t thrive if nights are cool, leading to slow growth and blossom drop. Wait until outdoor conditions are warm (especially nights) and your plants are sturdy before transplanting, and don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen right when you want fruit set.