Tabasco

Family: Solanaceae Hot Pepper

Planting Schedule

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A blaze of flavor in miniature—Tabasco peppers ripen to a vivid, glossy red that catches the light like lacquer.

Their slender, tapered pods deliver a sharp, unmistakably hot bite with a bright, tangy edge, backed by a crisp, juicy snap. Grow Tabasco for bold, fiery sauces and quick pickling, or to dry and grind for a dependable heat that livens every spoonful.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 95 DaysHabit: Upright

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Tabasco 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	Oct 23rd – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Oct 13th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Oct 13th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 24th	Jul 14th	Oct 17th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 20th	Jul 10th	Oct 13th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 18th	Jul 8th	Oct 11th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 13th	Jul 3rd	Oct 6th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 9th	Jun 29th	Oct 2nd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 6th	Jun 26th	Sep 29th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Feb 28th	Jun 20th	Sep 23rd – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Feb 23rd	Jun 15th	Sep 18th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 13th	Jun 5th	Sep 8th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 4th	May 27th	Aug 30th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Jan 26th	May 18th	Aug 21st – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 9th	May 1st	Aug 4th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 15th	Apr 6th	Jul 10th – 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	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
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

Tabasco’s heat comes fast and stays linear, with a tangy, almost pickled edge that makes it ideal for vinegar-forward sauces and quick pickling. Use it chopped or infused—because the thin pods don’t need long cooking to deliver punch.

Best Uses

quick pickles and refrigerator pepper rings
vinegar-based hot sauce (short blend, then quick simmer)
drying and grinding for a fine, consistent heat
sizzling into oil for fast, clean heat infusion

Flavor Profile

sharp chili heat bright tangy snap juicy crisp texture thin-walled pepper brightness

Kitchen Pairings

white vinegar lime juice garlic black pepper smoked meats pork fat (lard or rendered bacon fat)

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Capsicum frutescens (Tabasco), and how can I control it at home?

A common issue is aphids and thrips, which can stunt growth and spread viruses; check new growth and the undersides of leaves weekly. Spray plants with a strong jet of water first, then apply insecticidal soap (especially along leaf undersides) and repeat every 5–7 days until new growth is clean. If you see leaf spotting with progressive wilting, remove affected leaves and improve airflow around plants to reduce humidity.

How often should I water Tabasco (Capsicum frutescens) during the main growing phase?

Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out, typically about 1–2 times per week in summer depending on heat and container size. Keep soil evenly moist during flowering and fruit set, but avoid soggy soil because Capsicum frutescens is prone to root stress in waterlogged conditions. Mulch lightly to steady moisture, and water at the base rather than overhead to limit leaf disease.

How do I know when my Tabasco peppers (Capsicum frutescens) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods reach full size and have turned from green to bright red (about 80–95 days to maturity, depending on conditions). For hotter, thicker-walled peppers, wait until they’re fully red; for a milder flavor, you can pick when they are orange-red. Use scissors or pruners to avoid tearing stems, which helps plants keep producing.