Peppers are one of my favorite vegetables to grow in Phoenix, but timing matters. Choose the right planting window. Give them consistent water and protect them from the hot summer months. Your pepper plant can live year round. Give them consistent water and protect them from the hot summer months. Keep harvesting peppers from your backyard garden throughout the year.
There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, ranging from sweet bell peppers to seriously hot chiles, so here’s how to choose the right pepper and grow it successfully in Phoenix.
How to Grow Peppers in Phoenix
Originally published November 5, 2023— Last updated September 5, 2026
← Back to Growing Vegetables in Phoenix
Peppers can grow very well in Phoenix, but timing matters. Plant them during the right windows, give them consistent water, and protect them from the worst of the summer heat. Here’s what to do from planting through harvest.
When to Plant Peppers in Phoenix
- February–March: Main planting window
- July: Second planting window
- Summer: Plants may need shade/protection from intense heat
- Winter: Protect plants from frost
Peppers are a warm-season vegetable. They prefer a soil temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Transplant peppers in February, March, and July in your Phoenix garden. Grow Peppers by seed indoors in December or January so you can transplant them in February.
If you stagger planting, provide shade in the intense summer sun, and protection from frost you can grow peppers spring, fall and winter. If I shade my pepper plants in the summer they will start producing again in the fall.
Peppers are hardy in growing zones 4-10.
Which Pepper Should You Grow?
If you’re looking for a variety of color and spice the following peppers range from mild to hot and our perfect for your Phoenix garden. My favorite peppers to grow are the ones I eat the most of: poblano, jalapeño, and banana peppers. However, I like to grow a variety of them just for fun.
Peppers are a perfect addition to just about any dish. Below are some popular peppers you can easily grow in your Phoenix garden.
Sweet Peppers to Grow
Sweet peppers include: the popular Bell pepper, pepperoncini, pimento, cubanelle, banana, and Corno di Toro .
Popular dishes for sweet peppers includes: salads, salsa, sauces, stir fry, stuffed peppers, grilled & roasted or in sandwiches for a delectable crunch.
Mild & Medium Heat Peppers to Grow
Some common medium heat peppers include: Anaheim, Güero, Fresno, Jalapeño, Poblano, and Serrano.
A perfect balance between flavor and spiciness, medium heat peppers enhance the flavors of some popular dishes such as chili, salsa, pico de gallo, stir fry, salsa verde, and enchiladas.
Hot & Extremely Hot Peppers to Grow
Hot pepper varieties include Habneros, Thai Chili, Ghost Peppers, Bhut Jolokia, and the Carolina Reaper.
Hot peppers can add a serious kick to your dish. Use sparingly and use caution when adding these peppers to your dishes or sauces.
What I am currently growing
I am currently growing bell, jalapeño, poblano, violet sparkle purple peppers, and banana peppers in my home garden.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policies.
When to Plant Peppers in Phoenix
How to Grow Peppers in Phoenix
Light Requirements: Peppers need full morning sun for about 6 -8 hours, however they can tolerate partial shade. They do not handle intense afternoon sun well.
Soil Requirements: Prefers heavier, well-drained soil, but peppers can also grow well in amended clay or sandy soils as well. Peppers prefer slightly acidic pH. The soil pH range of 6-7 is ideal.
Water Requirements: Peppers like consistent moisture. I water mine on a drip system so it waters 3-4 times per week during the winter and 4-5 days a week in the summer months.
How to Plant Peppers in Phoenix
Sow seeds 1/4″ deep. Allow 12-24 inches of space between plants. Seedlings will start to emerge in 10-21 days. Peppers need a long growing season, so it is recommended to start pepper plants indoors in December or 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. In Phoenix, transplants can be planted outside after the last week in February.
If growing in a container choose a pot that is at least five gallons in size. Make sure to provide adequate support, as the plants can become top-heavy with fruit.
What to Plant Near Peppers
Companion Plants for Peppers
Peppers are part of the Solanaceae family, so they like plants in their family such as tomato plants. Basil, carrots, oregano, cucumber, eggplants, and squash are also great companion plants for peppers.
Do not plant peppers near beans, broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage.
When to Harvest Peppers in Phoenix
Depending on the variety of peppers they take 60- 100 days from the day of planting until harvest day.
If transplanted in February they would be ready to harvest by May.
Peppers planted in July would be ready to harvest by October.
Depending on the variety of pepper at maturity the plants can have a spread of at least 12 inches and a height maturity up to 48 inches. Fruit is about 3-5 inches.
More Phoenix Vegetables To Grow
→ Tomatoes
→ Zucchini
→ Squash
→ Eggplant
→ Beans
Start Here
→ Growing Vegetables in Phoenix
→ How to Start a Vegetable Garden
→ What to Plant Now
Looking for more vegetables to grow? → Growing Vegetables in Phoenix
