Planting guide · zone 5b
When to plant peppers in zone 5b
In zone 5b, the average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is Oct 8. Here is peppers's whole year, counted from those dates.
Mar 13Start seeds indoorsSpring
May 22Transplant 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 5a →Peppers in zone 6a →Peppers in zone 6b →Peppers in zone 7a →