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Can You Grow Chili Pepper in Tennessee?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Tennessee last frost

mid-March

Tennessee first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Chili Peppers in Tennessee

Start indoors

Jan 17

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 19 – Jun 3

Dates are approximate, based on Tennessee'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 Tennessee

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate transitioning to continental in the east. Nashville is Zone 7a; the Appalachians are Zone 6a-6b. Long productive growing seasons.

See what grows well in Tennessee →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Chili Pepper in Tennessee?

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

What zone is Tennessee?

Tennessee spans USDA Zone 6b (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).

When do you plant Chili Peppers in Tennessee?

Plant Chili Peppers around mid-March (start indoors Jan 17), harvest May 19 – Jun 3.