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When to Plant Shishito Pepper in Sacramento, California (94271)

Location

Sacramento, California

ZIP Code

94271

USDA Zone

9b

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.

🌿 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 Sacramento?

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

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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 Sacramento, California? +

In Sacramento (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 Sacramento, California? +

The average last spring frost date for Sacramento, California (ZIP 94271) 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 Sacramento, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, February 24, 2026 plus 60 days.

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

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

Other Plants for Sacramento

Growing Shishito Pepper in Zone 9b

Shishito Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Sacramento, California, 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.