When should I plant peppers in ZIP 33602?

In ZIP 33602, the main peppers target is around Feb 15, based on the representative Tampa frost station and USDA zone 10a.

When should I start peppers seeds indoors in 33602?

Start peppers seeds indoors in ZIP 33602 around Dec 7, about 56 days before the Feb 1 last-frost estimate.

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

ZIP 33602 planting calendar

When to plant peppers in Tampa, FL - Zone 10a

Q: When is the first frost in Tampa?

Tampa (ZIP 33602) has an average first fall frost around Dec 20, leaving about 322 frost-free days.

In ZIP 33602, plant peppers around Feb 15; this uses the Tampa frost station, USDA zone 10a, and peppers timing rules.

Your Tampa calendar has a 322-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Tampa frost station, USDA zone 10a, and peppers timing rules.

Source: tampa-intl frost station, USDA zone 10a, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 10a Tampa frost station University of Florida IFAS Extension Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start peppers seeds indoors in Tampa

In ZIP 33602, start peppers seeds indoors around Dec 7, about 56 days before the Feb 1 last-frost estimate.

Start peppers seeds indoors in Tampa around Dec 7, about 56 days before the Feb 1 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Peppers dates for Tampa, FL

Step	Date	How to use it
Start Indoors	December 7, 2025	Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant Outdoors	February 15, 2026	Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Tampa?

Tampa (ZIP 33602) has an average last spring frost around Feb 1.

First frost

When is the first frost in Tampa?

The average first fall frost is around Dec 20, giving about 322 frost-free days.

Season map

Peppers windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Start indoors

Dec 7

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

May 11

Frost watch

Sep 26

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start peppers indoorsDec 7

Last frost windowFeb 1

Transplant peppersFeb 15

First peppers harvest windowMay 11

Last peppers sowing targetSep 26

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	February 1, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	December 20, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	322 days	Longer seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing	18 in	Airflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature	65 F+	Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Tampa frost history and USDA zone 10a shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

University of Florida IFAS Extension is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Peppers timing notes

Peppers stall in cold soil, so wait for warm nights. Peppers prefers full sun, 18 in spacing, and soil near 65 F+.

For fall, count backward from Dec 20. A conservative last sowing target is around Sep 26.