When to Plant Cayenne Pepper in Austin, Texas (78721)

Location

Austin, Texas

ZIP Code

78721

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Friday, December 12, 2025

Transplant Outdoors Friday, March 6, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Cayenne Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Capsicum annuum

Days to Maturity 75 days

Mature Height 24-36"

Spread 18"

Type Bush

Fruit Size Small (2-5 inch pods)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Cayenne Pepper in Austin?

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

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🤝 Good Companions

BasilCarrotTomato

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel

See the full companion planting guide for Cayenne Pepper →

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Growing Cayenne Pepper in Zone 9a

Cayenne 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 Cayenne Pepper seedlings outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.