Moisture range
35–55%
Days to maturity
70–90
Light
Full sun
Growing Degree Units
2400 · base 60°F
When to plant pepper in your zone
Indoor-start, transplant and harvest dates calibrated to your climate.
Growing notes
Peppers benefit from black plastic mulch that warms the soil, decreases weed competition and keeps soil moisture. Consistent soil moisture levels produce the best quality fruit.
Harvest signs
when they have reached mature size
▶Planting reference— Depth, spacing, pH, light
▶Pests & diseases— cutworms, aphids, tomato hornworms, bacterial spot, +2 more
Common pests · 3
Common diseases · 3
Companions & antagonists
Plant near:BasilCarrot
Keep apart from:Fennel
Common questions
How much water does pepper need?
Pepper is fairly drought-tolerant once established and can dry out further between waterings. A soil-moisture range of about 35–55% is plenty — overwatering does more harm than a little dryness.
Can I grow pepper in a raised bed or container?
Yes — pepper does well in raised beds and is happy in a decent-sized container too, as long as drainage is good.
Does pepper come back every year?
No — pepper is an annual. It completes its life in one season, so you replant it each year.