When to Plant and Harvest Pepper
Sweet, crunchy peppers in various colors
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 45 to 50F and 90 to 95% humidity. Keeps 2 to 3 weeks. Cure: No curing. Do not hold peppers below 45F for long. Chilling causes pits. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Canned tomato salsa, Greek salad, Garden vegetable stir fry, Ratatouille. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. Garden peppers are not on the ASPCA list. The ASPCA Ornamental Pepper entry is Jerusalem cherry, a different plant. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Sweet, crisp, and mild with no heat.
Variety notes: Blocky sweet pepper for fresh eating, stuffing, and cooking.
Best Time and Place to Plant Pepper
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 10 to May 25. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Pepper in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 85F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 25 to June 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 5 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 25 to June 5 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 20 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 15 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 10 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | April 1 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 15 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 10 | March 1 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 11 | February 15 to April 20 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 12 | February 1 to April 10 | September 1 to October 15 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 65F to 85F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water deeply 1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture is key
- Days to harvest: 70
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 2-3 inches worked into soil
- Calcium supplement organic: To prevent blossom end rot
Companion Plants
- Basil
- Onions
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
Avoid Planting Near
- Fennel
- Kohlrabi
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Fruit is full-sized and firm
- Green peppers can be harvested anytime after full size
- For colored peppers, wait until color fully develops
- Use pruners to cut, leaving short stem on fruit
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
Major Varieties
- Banana Pepper: Good pickling pepper; harvest pale yellow or let ripen warmer.
- Cayenne Pepper: Best for drying, flakes, hot sauce, and powders.
- Jalapeño Pepper: Reliable fresh chile for salsa, roasting, stuffing, and pickling.
- Poblano Pepper: Large roasting pepper; ripens red and dried as ancho.
FAQs
When should I plant Pepper?
Pepper planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 10 to May 25. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Pepper?
The best time of year to plant Pepper is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 65F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 10 to May 25. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Pepper?
Plant Pepper in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 85F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Pepper?
Plant Pepper about 18 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Pepper?
Pepper is commonly paired with Basil, Onions, Spinach, Tomatoes.
How long does Pepper take to grow?
Pepper is typically ready to harvest in about 70 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Pepper?
Harvest Pepper when fruit is full-sized and firm. Green peppers can be harvested anytime after full size For colored peppers, wait until color fully develops