When to Plant Peppers
Published: April 21, 2026
Peppers need the longest indoor start of any common vegetable — 8 weeks before last frost — and the warmest soil of any garden crop. Rushing the timeline results in slow, stunted plants.
When to plant pepper
- Start seeds indoors: 8 weeks before last frost
- Transplant outdoors: 2 weeks after last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 65°F
- Days to harvest: 60–90 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun (8+ hours)
- Spacing: 18 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: No — single spring/summer crop only
Growing Tips for Peppers
- •Start indoors 8 full weeks before last frost — peppers are the slowest vegetable to establish from seed.
- •Nighttime temps must stay consistently above 55°F before transplanting — cold nights halt growth.
- •Use a bloom fertilizer (low nitrogen, higher phosphorus) once flowering begins for best fruit set.
- •In climates above 95°F, provide afternoon shade to prevent flower drop — heat stops fruit set.
Companion Planting for Peppers
✅ Plant pepper with
- • Basil
- • Tomato
- • Carrot
- • Marigold
- • Spinach
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Fennel
- • Brassicas
Common Pepper Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Peppers Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I start pepper seeds indoors?
Start pepper seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. Peppers are slow germinators and slow growers — they need a full 8-week head start to reach transplant size. Starting too late results in small plants that take the whole season to produce.
When can I transplant peppers outside?
Transplant peppers 2 weeks after your last frost date, once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55°F and soil is above 65°F. Peppers planted in cold soil simply stop growing and do not recover quickly.
What temperature is too hot for peppers?
Peppers drop flowers and stop setting fruit when daytime temperatures exceed 90–95°F consistently. If you live in a hot climate (AZ, TX, FL), provide afternoon shade during peak summer heat. Morning sun with afternoon shade keeps plants producing.
How much water do peppers need?
Peppers need about 1 inch of water per week. They prefer consistent, even moisture rather than deep irregular soakings. Inconsistent watering causes blossom end rot and uneven fruit development. Mulch around plants to maintain soil moisture.
What should I plant with peppers?
Peppers thrive alongside basil (deters aphids), tomatoes (similar care needs), marigolds (repel soil pests), and spinach (ground cover that reduces moisture loss). Avoid planting near fennel and brassicas which inhibit pepper growth.