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When to Plant Banana Pepper in Marietta, North Carolina (28362)

Location

Marietta, North Carolina

ZIP Code

28362

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Start Banana Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Capsicum annuum
Days to Maturity 70 days
Mature Height 18-24"
Spread 18"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Banana Pepper in Marietta?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, January 4, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BasilCarrotTomatoMarigold

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

FennelBrassicas
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Banana Pepper

See which plants help Banana Pepper thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let peppers ripen fully to yellow or red before collecting seeds.

Processing

Remove seeds from ripe pepper, spread to dry on a screen for 1–2 weeks.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Banana pepper (C. annuum) crosses with all other annuum peppers. Isolate if keeping varieties pure.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Banana Pepper. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Banana Pepper in Marietta, North Carolina? +

In Marietta (Zone 8b), start Banana Pepper seeds indoors around Sunday, January 4, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Marietta, North Carolina? +

The average last spring frost date for Marietta, North Carolina (ZIP 28362) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Banana Pepper take to grow? +

Banana Pepper typically matures in about 70 days from transplanting. In Marietta, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 29, 2026 plus 70 days.

Should I start Banana Pepper indoors or direct sow in North Carolina? +

Banana Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. In Marietta, that means starting around Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Other Plants for Marietta

Growing Banana Pepper in Zone 8b

Banana Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Marietta, North Carolina, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Banana Pepper seedlings outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.