Heat-loving plants producing spicy fruit ranging from mild jalapenos to fiery habaneros. Ornamental as well as culinary. Peppers get hotter with stress.
Planting calendar
Start seeds indoors
10 weeks before your last spring frost.
Direct sow / transplant
3 weeks after your last spring frost.
Hot peppers need longer season than sweet; start super-hots 12 weeks early
Spacing & harvest
Plant spacing: 18-24 inches
Row spacing: 24-36 inches
Days to harvest: 60-120 days
Ready when: Color develops fully (red, orange, or yellow depending on variety); fruit feels firm with slight give
Tomato — Similar growing conditions, efficient space use
Keep away from
Fennel — Inhibits growth of nightshade family plants
Get hot pepper planting dates for your exact zone
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.