Quick Facts
🌡️ Season
Warm-Season
☀️ Sun Needs
Full Sun (6+ hrs)
💧 Water
Moderate
📐 Spacing
18 inches apart
🕳️ Planting Depth
1/4 inch deep
📅 Days to Harvest
60–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
6–6.8
🌡️ Min Soil Temp
65°F
🏠 Start Indoors
8 weeks before last frost
🌱 Direct Sow
No — transplant only
🔥 Heat Tolerance
High
❄️ Cold Tolerance
None
When to Plant Hot Pepper by Zone
Planting dates vary by USDA hardiness zone. Find your zone at the Smart Planner.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 (Cold) | Feb, Mar | — | May, Jun | Aug, Sep |
| Zones 5–6 (Cool) | Feb, Mar | — | May | Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Zones 7–8 (Moderate) | Jan, Feb | — | Mar, Apr | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Zones 9–10 (Warm) | Dec, Jan | — | Feb, Mar | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Zones 11–13 (Tropical) | Nov, Dec | — | Jan, Feb | Apr, May, Jun, Jul |
Recommended Varieties
Jalapeño
Medium heat, versatile and prolific🔥 Heat Tolerant
Habanero
Very hot, needs long warm season🔥 Heat Tolerant
🌿 Companion Planting
Plant With
🍅 tomato🌿 basil🥕 carrot
Keep Away From
✗ fennel✗ kohlrabi
🗺️ Growing Zones
12345678910111213
Highlighted zones are suitable for growing hot pepper.
🛒 Shop Hot Pepper Seeds
Shop on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate and Walmart affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure