Planting guide · zone 5a
When to plant peppers in zone 5a
In zone 5a, the average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is Oct 1. Here is peppers's whole year, counted from those dates.
Mar 20Start seeds indoorsSpring
May 29Transplant into the gardenSpring
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Warm, well-drained soil, moderate nitrogen — overfeed and you get a bush with no fruit.
Seedling care
Slow starters: 8 weeks indoors, and a heat mat speeds germination dramatically. Wait for nights above 55°F to transplant.
Growing notes
Support plants before they load up with fruit. A bit of calcium and magnesium (a spoonful of epsom salt at planting) helps fruit set.
Harvest
Green is fine anytime, but full color means full flavor. Cut, don't pull — branches snap easily.
Same crop, other zones
Peppers in zone 5b →Peppers in zone 6a →Peppers in zone 6b →Peppers in zone 7a →