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Can You Grow Chili Pepper in Colorado?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Colorado last frost

early April

Colorado first frost

late October

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Chili Peppers in Colorado

Start indoors

Feb 9

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 11 – Jun 26

Dates are approximate, based on Colorado'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 Colorado

Colorado has a semi-arid mountain climate with intense sunshine and low humidity. Front Range cities like Denver are Zone 5-6; higher elevations are Zones 3-4.

See what grows well in Colorado →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Chili Pepper in Colorado?

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

What zone is Colorado?

Colorado spans USDA Zone 5b (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b).

When do you plant Chili Peppers in Colorado?

Plant Chili Peppers around early April (start indoors Feb 9), harvest Jun 11 – Jun 26.