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Can You Grow Chili Pepper in Florida?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 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

Florida last frost

mid-January

Florida first frost

late December

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Chili Peppers in Florida

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 16 – Mar 31

Dates are approximate, based on Florida'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 Florida

Florida is largely subtropical to tropical. North Florida has mild winters; South Florida and the Keys are essentially frost-free. Year-round growing is standard statewide.

See what grows well in Florida →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Chili Pepper in Florida?

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

What zone is Florida?

Florida spans USDA Zone 9b (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).

When do you plant Chili Peppers in Florida?

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