When to Plant and Harvest Pepper
Long, fiery red chili pepper used fresh, dried, or ground for heat in countless recipes worldwide
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
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: Thin-walled, sharp, and hot.
Variety notes: Best for drying, flakes, hot sauce, and powders.
Best Time and Place to Plant Pepper
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Cayenne Pepper in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 90F, 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 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| 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 90F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; slight drought stress increases heat
- Days to harvest: 75
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
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Marigold
Avoid Planting Near
- Fennel
- Apricots
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Peppers are 4-6 inches long and bright red
- Skin is smooth and glossy
- Harvest green for mild heat or red for full heat
- Use gloves when harvesting to avoid skin irritation
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Pepper?
Pepper planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. 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 90F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Pepper?
Plant Cayenne Pepper in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 90F, 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, Carrots, Tomatoes, Marigold.
How long does Pepper take to grow?
Pepper is typically ready to harvest in about 75 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 peppers are 4-6 inches long and bright red. Skin is smooth and glossy Harvest green for mild heat or red for full heat