GrowZone

ZIP 95113 planting calendar

When to plant peppers in San Jose, CA - Zone 9b

In ZIP 95113, plant peppers around Mar 1; this uses the San Jose frost station, USDA zone 9b, and peppers timing rules.

Your San Jose calendar has a 289-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative San Jose frost station, USDA zone 9b, and peppers timing rules.

Source: san-jose-mineta frost station, USDA zone 9b, 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 9b San Jose frost station University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Updated 2026-06-28
Read the method

Answer first

When to start peppers seeds indoors in San Jose

In ZIP 95113, start peppers seeds indoors around Dec 21, about 56 days before the Feb 15 last-frost estimate.

Start peppers seeds indoors in San Jose around Dec 21, about 56 days before the Feb 15 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Peppers dates for San Jose, CA

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsDecember 21, 2025Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 1, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in San Jose?

San Jose (ZIP 95113) has an average last spring frost around Feb 15.

First frost

When is the first frost in San Jose?

The average first fall frost is around Dec 1, giving about 289 frost-free days.

Season map

Peppers windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start indoors
Dec 21
Transplant
Mar 1
Harvest
May 25
Frost watch
Sep 7

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start peppers indoorsDec 21
Last frost windowFeb 15
Transplant peppersMar 1
First peppers harvest windowMay 25
Last peppers sowing targetSep 7
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateFebruary 15, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateDecember 1, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length289 daysLonger seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing18 inAirflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature65 F+Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

San Jose frost history and USDA zone 9b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 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 1. A conservative last sowing target is around Sep 7.