Growing guide

How to Grow Peppers

Heat-loving fruits, from sweet bells to fiery chilies, that reward patience with warmth.

The basics

What peppers need

• Sun — Full sun (6–8+ hours)
• Water — 1–2 inches per week, consistent
• Harvest in 60–90 days from transplant
• Difficulty — Moderate

When to plant

Time it from your frost date

• Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost
• Transplant: 2–3 weeks after last frost, once soil is 65°F+
• Direct sow: Not recommended
• Best in Zones 4–11 (warm-season annual)

How to plant

Three steps to a strong start

• 1. Start seeds indoors ⅛ in deep on a heat mat at 80°F — they germinate slowly and need warmth.
• 2. Grow under bright light and keep consistently warm; cold checks their growth permanently.
• 3. Wait for truly warm soil (65°F+) before transplanting — earlier planting sets them back.

Common problem

Blossom drop

Flowers fall in extreme heat (>90°F) or cold (<60°F nights) — usually resolves as weather moderates.

Common problem

Sunscald (pale leathery patches)

Maintain leaf cover for shade; avoid over-pruning in intense sun.

Harvest

Picking peppers right

Pick green for milder flavor, or leave on the plant to ripen to red, yellow, or orange for sweetness. Cut with scissors rather than pulling to avoid breaking branches.

Gardeners ask

Why won’t my peppers turn red?

Ripening takes extra weeks of warmth. Be patient, or pick them green — they’re edible at any stage.

Keep growing

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