When To Plant Peppers In Florida

Getting your pepper planting timing right is the single most important step for a great harvest here. If you want a successful garden, you need to know exactly when to plant peppers in Florida. Our unique climate, with its long summers and mild winters, is perfect for peppers, but the timing changes depending on where you live in the state.

Plant too early, and a surprise cold snap can stunt or kill your seedlings. Plant too late, and the intense mid-summer heat can prevent fruit from setting. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule for your region, along with tips to ensure your peppers thrive from seedling to harvest.

Florida is divided into three main gardening zones: North, Central, and South Florida. Each has a different recommended planting window based on the average last frost date and the intensity of the summer heat.

North Florida Planting Schedule

North Florida, from Jacksonville to Tallahassee, experiences cooler winters. The key here is to wait until all danger of frost has passed.

Optimal Planting Dates: Late February through early April.
Transplants: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your planned transplant date. This means sowing seeds indoors around the New Year.
Fall Crop: You can plant a second crop in late summer (early to mid-August) for a fall harvest before the first frost.

Central Florida Planting Schedule

Central Florida, including Orlando and Tampa, has a longer growing season and milder winters. This allows for a much wider planting window.

Optimal Planting Dates: February through early March for spring planting. You can also plant in August for a fall harvest.
Transplants: Start seeds indoors in December or January for spring planting.
Heat Consideration: The goal is to get peppers established and producing before the peak summer heat of July and August, which can casue blossoms to drop.

South Florida Planting Schedule

South Florida, from West Palm Beach down to the Keys, has a tropical climate. Frost is rarely a concern, but the intense summer heat and humidity are the main challenges.

Optimal Planting Dates: The prime season is fall and winter. Plant from September through January.
Transplants: Start seeds indoors in late summer (August) to have robust seedlings ready for the fall garden.
Summer Growing: Peppers often struggle in the rainy, hottest months. Some heat-tolerant varieties may persist, but production will slow.

Understanding Your Microclimate

These are general guidelines. Your specific yard might have its own microclimate. A sheltered spot near a south-facing wall will be warmer than an open, windy area. Always check your local frost dates and observe conditions in your own garden.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Peppers

Once you’ve got your timing down, follow these steps for planting success.

1. Choosing the Right Pepper Variety

Select varieties suited to Florida’s heat and disease pressure. Look for labels mentioning heat-tolerance and resistance to common issues like bacterial spot.

Sweet Peppers: ‘California Wonder’, ‘Sweet Banana’, ‘Cubanelle’, ‘Jimmy Nardello’.
Hot Peppers: ‘Jalapeño’, ‘Habanero’, ‘Ghost Pepper’, ‘Scotch Bonnet’, ‘Tabasco’.

2. Site Selection and Soil Prep

Peppers need full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining. Florida’s sandy soil needs improvement.

Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the planting area.
Raised beds are an excellent option for ensuring good drainage.
Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. A simple soil test can confirm this.

3. Planting Your Transplants

Harden Off: If you started seeds indoors or bought plants from a nursery, acclimate them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
Spacing: Plant peppers 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. They need good air circulation.
Planting Depth: Plant them at the same depth they were in their container. Unlike tomatoes, peppers do not develop roots along the buried stem.
Water In: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

4. Essential Care for Florida Peppers

Consistent care is what turns a good start into a great harvest.

Watering

Peppers like consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall. Avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf disease; use soaker hoses or drip irrigation instead. Mulch heavily with straw or pine bark to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer or one formulated for tomatoes/peppers. Follow label instructions carefully.

Apply a starter fertilizer at planting.
Side-dress with additional fertilizer when the first fruits begin to form.
Over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, can lead to lush leaves but few peppers.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests include aphids, hornworms, and pepper weevils. Diseases include blossom end rot (a calcium/watering issue) and fungal leaf spots.

Inspect plants regularly. Handpick larger pests.
Use insecticidal soap for soft-bodied insects like aphids.
Ensure good spacing and air flow to prevent fungal diseases.
Rotate your pepper crop to a different bed each year if possible.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here’s how to fix a few frequent issues Florida gardeners face.

Blossoms Dropping, No Fruit: This is usually caused by extreme temperatures (over 90°F or under 55°F) or inconsistent watering. Shade cloth during the hottest part of summer afternoons can help.
Small, Misshapen Fruit: Often due to poor pollination. Encourage bees by planting flowers nearby. You can also gently shake the plants during flowering to help distribute pollen.
Sunscald: Pale, leathery patches on fruit caused by direct, intense sun. Maintain healthy leaf cover to shade the fruit; don’t over-prune.

Harvesting Your Peppers

You can harvest peppers at any size, but they are most flavorful when they reach their full mature color. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the pepper from the plant, leaving a short stub of stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit. Be sure to pick all fruit before the first expected frost in North and Central Florida.

FAQ: Planting Peppers in Florida

Can I grow peppers year-round in Florida?

In South Florida, you can grow peppers nearly year-round, but the best production is in the cooler months. In Central and North Florida, you have two distinct planting seasons: spring and late summer for a fall harvest.

What is the latest I can plant peppers?

For a fall crop in North/Central Florida, aim to get transplants in the ground by late August. In South Florida, you can plant as late as January for a spring harvest before the heat intensifies.

Should I start peppers from seeds or buy plants?

Both methods work. Starting from seed gives you access to more unique varieties. Buying transplants from a local nursery is easier and gives you a head start, especially if your seed-starting timing was off.

Do peppers grow well in containers?

Yes! Peppers are excellent container plants. Choose a pot at least 12-14 inches deep and wide. Use a high-quality potting mix and be diligent with watering and fertilizing, as containers dry out faster.

Why are my pepper plants not growing?

Cool soil temperatures can stall growth early in the season. Be patient. Other causes include insufficient sun, poor soil nutrition, or root damage from pests like nematodes, which are common in Florida soils. Adding organic matter can help supress nematode issues.

Getting your timing right with the When To Plant Peppers In Florida schedule sets the foundation for your whole season. By matching your planting dates to your region, preparing your soil well, and providing consistent care, you’ll be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet or spicy peppers from your own garden. Remember, gardening is a learning process, so take notes on what works best in your specific location each year.