When to Plant Shishito Pepper in Durham, North Carolina (27708)

Location

Durham, North Carolina

ZIP Code

27708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, January 9, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, April 3, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 · Zone 8a

Pro tip: Start Shishito Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Capsicum annuum

Days to Maturity 60 days

Mature Height 18-24"

Spread 18"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Shishito Pepper in Durham?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 9, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BasilCarrotTomatoMarigold

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

FennelBrassicas

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Shishito Pepper

See which plants help Shishito Pepper thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let peppers ripen past the thin green stage — allow to turn red on the plant for best seed viability.

Processing

Remove seeds from ripe pepper, dry flat for 1–2 weeks.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

C. annuum — will cross with jalapeño, bell pepper, and other annuum varieties. Isolate by 300 feet.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Shishito Pepper. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Shishito Pepper in Durham, North Carolina? +

In Durham (Zone 8a), start Shishito Pepper seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Durham, North Carolina? +

The average last spring frost date for Durham, North Carolina (ZIP 27708) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Shishito Pepper take to grow? +

Shishito Pepper typically matures in about 60 days from transplanting. In Durham, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, April 3, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Shishito Pepper indoors or direct sow in North Carolina? +

Shishito Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Durham, that means starting around Friday, January 9, 2026.

📚 More Shishito Pepper Planting Guides

🗺️

Shishito Pepper in North Carolina

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 8a Shishito Pepper Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Durham

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Growing Shishito Pepper in Zone 8a

Shishito Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Durham, North Carolina, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Shishito Pepper seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.