Planting guide · zone 9a
When to plant peppers in zone 9a
In zone 9a, the average last spring frost is Feb 28 and the first fall frost is Dec 1. Here is peppers's whole year, counted from those dates.
Jan 3Start seeds indoorsSpring
Mar 14Transplant 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 8b →Peppers in zone 9b →