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Can You Grow Chili Pepper in Michigan?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Michigan last frost

early April

Michigan first frost

late October

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Chili Peppers in Michigan

Start indoors

Feb 9

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 11 – Jun 26

Dates are approximate, based on Michigan'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 Michigan

Michigan has a humid continental climate moderated by the Great Lakes. Southern Michigan is Zone 5b-6a; the Upper Peninsula is Zone 4a-5a. Known for fruit crops along Lake Michigan.