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How to Grow Chili Pepper

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

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🛠️ 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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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Capsicum annuum
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 119 days
Starting Method Start Indoors

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

🌱

Germination

8-28 days

Ready to Grow Chili Pepper?

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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.

Seed Storage Supplies

✉️ Seed Envelopes 🗂️ Mylar Storage Bags 🧊 Silica Gel Packets 📋 Seed Organizer

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Chili Pepper Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Chili Pepper Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chili Pepper? +

Start Chili Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

How long does Chili Pepper take to grow? +

Chili Pepper typically matures in about 119 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Chili Pepper indoors or direct sow? +

Chili Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

How much sun does Chili Pepper need? +

Chili Pepper requires full sun to thrive.

How much water does Chili Pepper need? +

Chili Pepper has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Chili Pepper? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Chili Pepper is rated moderate. Allow peppers to ripen fully to their final color before collecting seeds. Remove seeds from ripe pepper, dry flat for 1–2 weeks. Handle hot varieties with gloves.

How long do Chili Pepper seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Chili Pepper seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Chili Pepper seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Chili Pepper is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Chili Pepper

Chili peppers should be grown close together as it helps protect them from drying out in the sun and providing more humidity. Teas made from the peppers make excellent insect sprays.

Expect your Chili Pepper to be ready for harvest in approximately 119 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.