Planting guide · zone 8a
When to plant peppers in zone 8a
In zone 8a, the average last spring frost is Mar 25 and the first fall frost is Nov 12. Here is peppers's whole year, counted from those dates.
Jan 28Start seeds indoorsSpring
Apr 8Transplant 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 7a →Peppers in zone 7b →Peppers in zone 8b →Peppers in zone 9a →