When to Plant Bell Pepper in Florida

Growing Bell Pepper in Florida: Complete Guide

Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Florida's last frost. Most Florida gardeners begin seeds indoors around Thursday, October 23, 2025 and move transplants outside around Thursday, January 15, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.

Because Florida stretches across 7 USDA hardiness zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 70 days to maturity, Bell Pepper needs the indoor head start that Florida's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.

Bell Pepper requires full sun (6-8 hours) and regular (1-2 inches/week) moisture. Southeastern summers are hot and humid; mulch heavily to retain moisture and shade roots during peak heat.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Florida.