When to Plant Shishito Pepper in Austin, Texas (78708)

Location

Austin, Texas

ZIP Code

78708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, December 12, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, March 6, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

Pro tip: Start Shishito Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 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 Austin?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, December 12, 2025.

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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 Austin, Texas? +

In Austin (Zone 9a), start Shishito Pepper seeds indoors around Friday, December 12, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Austin, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Austin, Texas (ZIP 78708) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Shishito Pepper take to grow? +

Shishito Pepper typically matures in about 60 days from transplanting. In Austin, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 6, 2026 plus 60 days.

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

Shishito Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Austin, that means starting around Friday, December 12, 2025.

📚 More Shishito Pepper Planting Guides

🗺️

Shishito Pepper in Texas

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9a Shishito Pepper Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Shishito Pepper in Zone 9a

Shishito Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Austin, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, December 12, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Shishito Pepper seedlings outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.