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Can You Grow Chili Pepper in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Chili peppers thrive here — expect a productive harvest through the warm months.

Plant zones

4a–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Chili Peppers in California

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 16 – Mar 31

Dates are approximate, based on California's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Chili Pepper

Chili peppers are drought-tolerant once established and highly productive in warm sunny conditions.

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Chilies love heat — the hotter the summer the hotter the pepper. Great for containers on south-facing balconies.

Full chili pepper growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.

See what grows well in California →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Chili Pepper in California?

Chili peppers thrive here — expect a productive harvest through the warm months.

What zone is California?

California spans USDA Zone 9b (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).

When do you plant Chili Peppers in California?

Plant Chili Peppers around mid-January (start indoors Jan 1), harvest Mar 16 – Mar 31.