Field guide
When to plant pepper (sweet/bell) in USDA Zones 11–13
In USDA Zones 11–13, the planner’s broad outdoor planting window for pepper (sweet/bell) runs from February to March, with a second window from August to September. Pepper (Sweet/Bell) takes 60–90 days from planting to first harvest.
Open plannerPlanting calendar for USDA Zones 11–13
- Spring planting
- February to March
- Fall planting
- August to September
- Days to harvest
- 60–90 days
- Water needs
- medium
What USDA Zones 11–13 do—and do not—tell you
These zones span average annual extreme minimum temperatures of roughly 40°F to 70°F. That is useful climate context, but it does not determine your exact frost dates. Check a local forecast or county Extension calendar before planting tender crops.
How to know when to harvest
- Green peppers are technically ripe but less sweet
- Full color change (red/yellow/orange) means maximum sweetness — takes 2-3 weeks after full size
- Fruit feels firm and heavy, skin is glossy
Want a plan that accounts for your crops, growing method, equipment, and plant conditions? Open the free planner for a daily crop checklist and adaptive harvest forecast.
About this field guide
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