Pepper Seeds

Peppers (Capsicum annuum) are one of the most rewarding crops for home gardens and farms, and growing them from seed opens up far more varieties than you’ll find as nursery transplants. Start our pepper seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost for a summer and fall full of homegrown peppers. Learn more in our How to Grow Peppers guide.

Sweet vs. Hot Peppers

Pepper varieties fall into two broad groups, and both grow the same way in the garden.
 
Sweet Peppers
Have little or no heat, with thick, crisp walls. They include bell peppers and other sweet types for fresh eating, salads, stuffing and roasting.
 
Hot Peppers
Range from mild warmth to intense heat. They’re used for salsas, hot sauces, drying and spicing up any dish. Some hot pepper varieties grow tall and may need staking.

Pepper Seed Shipping Information

We ship pepper seeds with USPS Ground Advantage.

  • Ancho Poblano hot pepper in a basket

    Hot Pepper Seeds (27)

    Capsicum annuum, unless otherwise noted Growing tips: Start pepper seeds indoors in seedling trays or small seedling pots with seed starting soil that has essential nutrients in it, 6-8 weeks prior to last frost. Keep the soil moist for quick germination. Make sure to keep the young pepper seedlings under good light to have strong plants with sturdy, healthy stems and leaves. Transplant after last frost in well-drained, fertile soil enrichened with compost and other amendments. Feed your pepper plants with liquid fertilizer once every two weeks. Water regularly especially in flower stage. Mulch and always water at plant base to minimize disease. Some pepper varieties are taller than others and may need to be tied to a stake so that fruits don't touch soil and rot.
  • Fresh green Sera Demre hot pepper on slate

    Sweet Pepper Seeds (15)

    Capsicum annuum, unless otherwise noted Growing tips: Start pepper seeds indoors in seedling trays or small seedling pots with seed starting soil that has essential nutrients in it, 6-8 weeks prior to last frost. Keep the soil moist for quick germination. Make sure to keep the young pepper seedlings under good light to have strong plants with sturdy, healthy stems and leaves. Transplant after last frost in well-drained, fertile soil enrichened with compost and other amendments. Feed your pepper plants with liquid fertilizer once every two weeks. Water regularly especially in flower stage. Mulch and always water at plant base to minimize disease. Some pepper varieties are taller than others and may need to be tied to a stake so that fruits don't touch soil and rot.