Planting Guides

When to Plant Peppers in Raleigh: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7b

Raleigh, North Carolina

USDA Zone 7b

Last Frost: Apr 5

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when to plant peppers in Raleigh with specific dates for Zone 7b. Compare 8 varieties, get a complete timeline, and discover which peppers grow best in North Carolina.

RRachel Abrams

October 30, 2025

Healthy pepper plants growing in Raleigh Zone 7b garden with optimal spacing and support — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Start pepper seeds indoors February 7-14 in Raleigh for transplanting May 1. Zone 7b supports all varieties with proper timing and heat-tolerant selections.

TL;DR

Plant pepper seeds indoors February 7-14 in Raleigh for May 1 transplanting. Zone 7b's 214-day growing season supports all varieties from quick-maturing Shishito to heat-demanding Habanero. Transplant outdoors April 15-May 1 after soil reaches 60°F (15°C). Best varieties for Raleigh include California Wonder bells, Jalapeño, and Poblano which thrive in North Carolina's warm, humid summers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the latest I can plant pepper seeds in Raleigh?

For indoor starting, the latest safe date is February 21 for quick-maturing varieties like Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' and Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Banana'. This allows 8 weeks of indoor growth before May 1 transplanting. Starting later risks insufficient time for establishment before Raleigh's intense summer heat arrives.

Can I direct seed peppers outdoors in Raleigh?

Direct seeding is not recommended in Zone 7b. While technically possible after soil reaches 65°F (18°C) in mid-May, you lose 6-8 weeks of growing time compared to transplants.

Which pepper varieties handle Raleigh's humidity best?

Capsicum annuum 'Jalapeño' and Capsicum annuum 'Cayenne Long Red' are most humidity-tolerant. Their moderate size and good air circulation between branches help prevent fungal issues common in North Carolina summers.

How do I know when soil is warm enough for transplanting?

Use a soil thermometer to check 4-inch (10 cm) depth in early morning. Soil should read 60°F (15°C) or higher for three consecutive days before transplanting. This typically occurs April 20-25 in Raleigh.

What should I do if late frost threatens after planting?

Cover plants immediately with row covers, blankets, or individual milk jug cloches. Even light frost at 32°F (0°C) can kill pepper plants outright. If frost warning comes after transplanting, protection is mandatory.

When do different varieties start producing in Raleigh?

Capsicum annuum 'Shishito' begins harvest by early July from May 1 transplants, giving you the earliest fresh peppers. Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Banana' follows by mid-July.

Can I save seeds from peppers grown in Raleigh?

Yes, but only from open-pollinated varieties, not hybrids. Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder', Capsicum annuum 'Poblano', and Capsicum annuum 'Cayenne Long Red' are excellent for seed saving.

NEW PLANT DAILY

Think you know your plants?

Test your botanical knowledge with a new plant identification challenge every day. Build your streak, learn fascinating plant facts, and become a plant identification expert!

Build your streak

One chance per day

Learn as you play

Free account required • Takes less than 30 seconds

Tagged with

#when to plant peppers raleigh #pepper planting raleigh #zone 7b peppers #north carolina pepper growing #raleigh gardening #pepper varieties zone 7b #pepper planting dates #raleigh vegetable garden #pepper growing guide #north carolina gardening

Written By

Rachel Abrams

Rachel is a garden writer and photographer based in Raleigh who covers the Piedmont region of North Carolina. She has a journalism background and got into gardening after buying her first house and realizing she had no idea what any of the plants in her yard were. That curiosity led to a Master Gardener certification and eventually a garden writing career. Rachel is especially interested in native plants of the Southeast, seasonal color, and the challenge of gardening in red clay soil. Her photography background means she pays attention to how gardens look through the seasons—she thinks about visual composition as much as plant health. She writes clearly and directly, without the breathless enthusiasm that makes a lot of garden writing hard to trust.