When to Plant Pepper (Bell) in Zone 9

Capsicum annuum

Last updated: Apr 25, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension

Zone 9 Planting Schedule

Start Indoors
Jan 1
6–8 weeks before transplant
Transplant Out
Mar 15
After last frost (Feb 28)
First Harvest
May 20
60–90 days after planting
Season Ends
Nov 15
Before first frost (Nov 25)
Quick Facts
Sunlight ☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs 💧💧 Moderate
Spacing 18 inches apart
Planting Depth 0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp 65°F
Germination 7–14 days
Days to Maturity 60–90 days
Frost Tolerance No frost tolerance
Soil pH 6.0–6.8
Difficulty Easy
Recommended for Zone 9
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Companion Planting

Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.

✓ Good Companions

Tomato Basil Carrot

✗ Avoid Nearby

Fennel Kohlrabi

Pepper (Bell) Schedule — All Zones

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplant Direct SowHarvest StartHarvest End
Zone 3 Mar 10 Jun 1 — Aug 1 Sep 10
Zone 4 Mar 5 May 25 — Jul 25 Sep 20
Zone 5 Feb 25 May 15 — Jul 15 Oct 1
Zone 6 Feb 10 May 1 — Jul 1 Oct 10
Zone 7 Feb 1 Apr 20 — Jun 20 Oct 20
Zone 8 Jan 15 Apr 1 — Jun 5 Nov 1
Zone 9 Jan 1 Mar 15 — May 20 Nov 15
Zone 10 Dec 10 Feb 25 — May 1 Dec 1
Zone 11 — Jan 20 Feb 1 Apr 15 Dec 15
Zone 12 — any any year_round year_round
Zone 13 — any any year_round year_round
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.