When to plant Peppers in Clay County, FL
Spring Peppers in Clay County goes in February 18–March 11, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Peppers in Clay County, FL
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.
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 282 days.
At an elevation of 122 feet, Clay County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Peppers may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Peppers will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peppers root diseases.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Peppers to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 peppers plants in about 24 sq ft. In Clay County's 282-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Peppers Planting Timeline — Clay County, FL
Peppers Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jul 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
282 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
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 Clay County, FL?
Clay County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Peppers planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, FL?
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Peppers in Clay County, FL?
In Clay County, FL, plant Peppers after the last frost (around February 18) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clay County, FL for Peppers?
Clay County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Peppers grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Peppers grow in Clay County's climate?
Yes — Peppers grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 283-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 18 and first frost around November 27.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.