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Can You Grow Chili Pepper in Maine?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Maine last frost

mid-April

Maine first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Chili Peppers in Maine

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 19 – Jul 4

Dates are approximate, based on Maine'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 Maine

Maine has a cool humid continental climate. Coastal areas are Zone 5b-6a; inland and northern Maine is Zone 3b-4a. Short summers but excellent for potatoes, blueberries, and cool crops.

See what grows well in Maine →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Chili Pepper in Maine?

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

What zone is Maine?

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

When do you plant Chili Peppers in Maine?

Plant Chili Peppers around mid-April (start indoors Feb 17), harvest Jun 19 – Jul 4.