When to Plant Chili Pepper in Madison, Wisconsin (53708)

Location

Madison, Wisconsin

ZIP Code

53708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Start Chili Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Capsicum annuum

Days to Maturity 119 days

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

Seeds typically germinate in 8-28 days

Ready to Plant Chili Pepper in Madison?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, February 14, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BasilRosemaryOreganoParsleyMarjoramTomatoGeraniumPetuniaBell PepperCucumberEggplantEscaroleOkraSwiss ChardSquash

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Chili Pepper

See which plants help Chili 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

Allow peppers to ripen fully to their final color before collecting seeds.

Processing

Remove seeds from ripe pepper, dry flat for 1–2 weeks. Handle hot varieties with gloves.

Seed Viability

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

Pro Tip

Peppers cross freely between varieties of the same species. Cage plants or isolate by 300 feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chili Pepper in Madison, Wisconsin? +

In Madison (Zone 5b), start Chili Pepper seeds indoors around Saturday, February 14, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Madison, Wisconsin? +

The average last spring frost date for Madison, Wisconsin (ZIP 53708) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Chili Pepper take to grow? +

Chili Pepper typically matures in about 119 days from transplanting. In Madison, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, May 9, 2026 plus 119 days.

Should I start Chili Pepper indoors or direct sow in Wisconsin? +

Chili Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Madison, that means starting around Saturday, February 14, 2026.

📚 More Chili Pepper Planting Guides

🗺️

Chili Pepper in Wisconsin

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 5b Chili Pepper Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Madison

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Growing Chili Pepper in Zone 5b

Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Madison, Wisconsin, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Chili Pepper seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.