When to Plant Peppers in Marion County, MS
Sweet peppers are warm-season crops producing fruits in a rainbow of colors. They turn from green to red, yellow, or orange as they ripen, increasing in sweetness.
Marion County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 257 days.
At an elevation of 330 feet, Marion County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Peppers during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Peppers, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Peppers Planting Timeline — Marion County, MS
Peppers Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 4 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Aug 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
257 days
Growing Tips for Marion County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant when nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaves over fruit.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 300 ft for purity. Hot and sweet peppers can cross-pollinate.
Peppers in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peppers in Marion County, MS?
Marion County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Peppers planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, MS?
Marion County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Marion County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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