Hot Pepper illustration 🌶️

Hot Pepper Growing Guide

Solanaceae family

Days to Harvest85 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)
Germination8-21 days
HardinessVery Tender
Germ. Temp85°F
Start Indoors8 weeks before last frost

Companion Planting

Avoid Planting Near

FennelBeans

Growth Stages

  1. Seedling
  2. Vegetative Growth
  3. Flowering
  4. Fruiting / Harvest Ready

Planting Dates by Zone

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplantDirect SowHarvest
Zone 1aMar 30Jun 8Aug 12
Zone 1bMar 30Jun 8Aug 12
Zone 2aMar 20May 29Aug 2
Zone 2bMar 30Jun 8Aug 12
Zone 3aMar 27Jun 5Aug 9
Zone 3bMar 20May 29Aug 2
Zone 4aMar 10May 19Jul 23
Zone 4bMar 6May 15Jul 19
Zone 5aMar 3May 12Jul 16
Zone 5bMar 3May 12Jul 16
Zone 6aMar 3May 12Jul 16
Zone 6bFeb 18Apr 29Jul 3
Zone 7aFeb 18Apr 29Jul 3
Zone 7bFeb 13Apr 24Jun 28
Zone 8aFeb 8Apr 19Jun 23
Zone 8bJan 25Apr 5Jun 9
Zone 9aJan 23Apr 3Jun 7
Zone 9bJan 13Mar 24May 28
Zone 10aDec 26Mar 6May 10
Zone 10bDec 3Feb 11Apr 17
Zone 11aDec 3Feb 11Apr 17
Zone 11bNov 20Jan 29Apr 4
Zone 12aNov 6Jan 15Mar 21
Zone 12bNov 6Jan 15Mar 21
Zone 13aNov 6Jan 15Mar 21
Zone 13bNov 6Jan 15Mar 21

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Hot Pepper?

Hot Pepper takes approximately 85 days from planting to harvest.

How much sun does Hot Pepper need?

Hot Pepper requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).

How far apart should I plant Hot Pepper?

Plant Hot Pepper at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.

Can Hot Pepper survive frost?

Hot Pepper is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.

What are good companion plants for Hot Pepper?

Good companion plants for Hot Pepper include Tomatoes, Basil, Carrots, Onions. Avoid planting near Fennel, Beans.

How long does Hot Pepper take to germinate?

Hot Pepper seeds germinate in 8-21 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.

When should I start Hot Pepper seeds indoors?

Start Hot Pepper seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.

Plan Your Hot Pepper Garden

Track Hot Pepper from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

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