By TigreBlume | December 2025

When choosing pepper plants, there are a few things to consider, such as:

(1) Local climate and growing conditions

(2) Available space

(3) Desired heat level

Local Climate and Growing Conditions

I confirm that the average 'days to maturity' is shorter than the total days in my growing season, to ensure ample time for fruit production.
I live in a climate with a short frost free growing season, therefore, I prefer to grow early-maturing varieties or those with a short days to maturity (e.g., 60-80 days).
Peppers are “heat loving” plants and thrive in temps between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, I don’t plant them out until late spring or when we start to get consistent night time temps of 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pepper plants also require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
So I plant them in areas where they can get at least 8 hours of direct sun, and a few hours of shade.

Available Space

I also ensure they have sufficient vertical and horizontal spacing and support.
For smaller varieties (e.g., cayenne, thai and mounding jalapeno peppers), I typically plant them in planters, containers, and fabric bags with at least 6 inches of soil.
For larger varieties (over 3 feet tall), I typically plant them in areas with at least 12 inches of soil.
Such as a raised garden bed or 10 gallon fabric bags.
Pepper plants can be planted as close to 12 inches apart.
Larger varieties may require at least 18 inches of spacing.
I usually place all of my pepper plants close together (12 inches apart) to maximize my growing space.
Tall plants may require staking to prevent them from toppling over due to wind or heavy fruit.
I use bamboo stakes, wooden stakes, steel poles, and thick tree branches.
You can check your plant labels or seed packets for average plant height and width so you can plan accordingly.

Desired Heat Level

I also have to consider desired heat level / flavor when choosing pepper plants.
I like sweet and mildly spicy peppers, and so do others in my household.
Therefore, I only grow what we will likely eat and can handle 🙂. This usually includes bell peppers, as well as a mix of mild/slightly spicy peppers (e.g., fish, cayenne, jalapeno).

Check out the photo gallery below for all the pepper varieties I’ll be growing in 2026!