Hot Peppers Planting Guide
Hot peppers range from mildly spicy jalapenos to scorching superhots. They require long, warm growing seasons and produce capsaicin that gives them their heat.
Capsicum chinense · Vegetable · Solanaceae family · 70–120 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Hot Peppers?
Hot Peppers Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Hot Peppers planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5a | Feb 14 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 18 – Oct 24 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 7 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Jul 11 – Oct 17 |
| Zone 6a | Jan 30 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | Jul 3 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 6b | Jan 23 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | Jun 26 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 7a | Jan 21 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 14 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Sep 16 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 4 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | May 31 – Sep 6 |
| Zone 8b | Dec 24 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | May 20 – Aug 26 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Apr 28 – Aug 4 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Jul 19 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – Jun 25 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – Jun 25 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – Jun 25 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – Jun 25 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 11b
Growing Tips
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost as they germinate slowly. Use heat mats to maintain 80-85F soil temperature for germination. Stress plants slightly by reducing water to increase heat levels.
Saving Hot Peppers Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Hot Peppers by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Hot Peppers?
Hot Peppers (Capsicum chinense) takes 70 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Hot Peppers grow in?
Hot Peppers can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Hot Peppers need?
Growing Hot Peppers requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.