When to Plant Shishito Pepper in Tucson, Arizona (85708)

Location

Tucson, Arizona

ZIP Code

85708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

Pro tip: Start Shishito Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 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 Tucson?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, December 2, 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 Tucson, Arizona? +

In Tucson (Zone 9b), start Shishito Pepper seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 2, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Tucson, Arizona? +

The average last spring frost date for Tucson, Arizona (ZIP 85708) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Shishito Pepper take to grow? +

Shishito Pepper typically matures in about 60 days from transplanting. In Tucson, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, February 24, 2026 plus 60 days.

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

Shishito Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Tucson, that means starting around Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

📚 More Shishito Pepper Planting Guides

🗺️

Shishito Pepper in Arizona

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9b Shishito Pepper Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Shishito Pepper in Zone 9b

Shishito Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Tucson, Arizona, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Shishito Pepper seedlings outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.