FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Florida

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Nov 16 – Nov 30, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 60–90 days

Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Peppers Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
JacksonvilleNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 8 – Feb 22
MiamiFrost-free: year-round planting
TampaNov 11 – Nov 25Jan 27 – Feb 10
OrlandoNov 8 – Nov 22Jan 24 – Feb 7
St. PetersburgNov 8 – Nov 22Jan 24 – Feb 7
HialeahFrost-free: year-round planting
TallahasseeDec 31 – Jan 14Mar 18 – Apr 1
Fort LauderdaleFrost-free: year-round planting
Cape CoralNov 7 – Nov 21Jan 23 – Feb 6
Pembroke PinesFrost-free: year-round planting
Port Saint LucieFrost-free: year-round planting
HollywoodFrost-free: year-round planting
GainesvilleDec 23 – Jan 6Mar 10 – Mar 24
MiramarFrost-free: year-round planting
Coral SpringsFrost-free: year-round planting
West Palm BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
Palm BayNov 7 – Nov 21Jan 23 – Feb 6
ClearwaterNov 8 – Nov 22Jan 24 – Feb 7
Miami GardensFrost-free: year-round planting
Pompano BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
LakelandNov 17 – Dec 1Feb 2 – Feb 16
BrandonNov 21 – Dec 5Feb 6 – Feb 20
DavieFrost-free: year-round planting
Spring HillNov 27 – Dec 11Feb 12 – Feb 26
Boca RatonFrost-free: year-round planting
PlantationFrost-free: year-round planting
Miami BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
DeltonaNov 17 – Dec 1Feb 2 – Feb 16
Lehigh AcresNov 8 – Nov 22Jan 24 – Feb 7
MelbourneNov 11 – Nov 25Jan 27 – Feb 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 351 Florida cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Florida cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant peppers in Florida?

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Nov 16 – Nov 30, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Florida?

The average last spring frost in Florida ranges from January 15 in Sarasota to March 21 in Crestview, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do peppers take to grow?

Peppers typically take 60–90 days from planting to harvest. Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Other Crops in Florida

When to plant peppers in other states

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