Planting guide · zone 8b
When to plant peppers in zone 8b
In zone 8b, the average last spring frost is Mar 12 and the first fall frost is Nov 22. Here is peppers's whole year, counted from those dates.
Jan 15Start seeds indoorsSpring
Mar 26Transplant 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 7b →Peppers in zone 8a →Peppers in zone 9a →Peppers in zone 9b →