Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peppers in Texas

From sweet bells to fiery habaneros, peppers love heat and reward patience with prolific harvests.

The Short Answer

If there's a state made for growing peppers, it's Texas. The heat that makes many crops struggle is exactly what peppers want, and Texas's long growing season means even the slowest-maturing superhot varieties have plenty of time. From the mild jalapeños of Tex-Mex tradition to the ornamental chiltepins growing wild in south Texas brush country, peppers are woven into the state's food culture in a way few other crops can match.

Texas Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Texas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Peppers Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Growing Peppers in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

In north Texas, transplant peppers in late March to early April — 2 weeks after your last frost when nighttime lows are reliably above 55°F. Central Texas can go in mid-March. South Texas and the Valley can transplant as early as February. Unlike tomatoes, peppers generally continue setting fruit in Texas's extreme summer heat (they handle 95°F better than tomatoes handle 90°F), though production slows during the hottest weeks. Afternoon shade from taller crops or shade cloth during July-August peaks helps maintain production. Texas's alkaline soils in the Hill Country and west may need sulfur amendment — peppers prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.8).

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Texas is pepper paradise. Jalapeño (the state's signature pepper), Serrano, Poblano/Ancho, and Cayenne all thrive. For bells, try Jupiter, Big Bertha, or Sweet Banana. Texas A&M has developed TAM varieties (TAM Jalapeño, TAM Mild Jalapeño) specifically bred for Texas conditions. For the adventurous: Texas's long hot season is one of the few places in the US where superhot varieties like Habanero, Ghost Pepper, and Carolina Reaper can fully mature outdoors.

Common Challenges in Texas

Pepper weevils are a serious pest in south and central Texas — they bore into developing fruits and cause premature drop. Bacterial leaf spot thrives in Texas's warm, humid conditions (especially in east Texas). Sunscald on exposed fruits is common — the plant's own leaf canopy is the best protection, so avoid over-pruning. Fire ants damage roots, especially on young transplants.

Growing Tips

Start seeds early — peppers are slow to germinate. Wait until nights are consistently above 55°F before transplanting.

Companion Planting

Plant peppers alongside these companions for better growth:

Tomatoes Basil Carrots Onions

Keep peppers away from:

Fennel Kohlrabi

The Bottom Line

Peppers can be grown successfully in Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Peppers Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas Peppers in Alabama Alabama planting dates Peppers in Alaska Alaska planting dates Peppers in Arizona Arizona planting dates Peppers in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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