Best Pepper Varieties for Short Growing Seasons

Gardening in a region with a short growing season can be a real challenge, especially for those of us who dream of harvesting baskets full of fiery, flavorful peppers. The looming threat of an early frost can feel like a race against time. But don't hang up your gardening gloves just yet! The secret to a successful pepper harvest when time is short is choosing the right varieties.

At Scorch Squad, we believe everyone deserves to experience the thrill of growing their own peppers, no matter where they live. That's why we've curated a list of our favorite pepper varieties that are perfect for gardeners with a shorter window of warm weather.

Why Days to Maturity Matter

Before we dive into our top picks, let's talk about "days to maturity." This is the estimated number of days from transplanting a healthy seedling into your garden until the first fruits are ready to be harvested. For those with short seasons, a lower number is your best friend. Selecting varieties that mature in 80 days or less will significantly increase your chances of a bountiful harvest before the cold weather sets in.

For a comprehensive overview of the entire pepper growing process, from germination to harvest, be sure to check out our pillar post: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Peppers: From Seed to Harvest. This guide will provide you with all the foundational knowledge you need for a thriving pepper patch.

Scorch Squad's Top Picks for Short Seasons

Here are some of our favorite fast-maturing pepper varieties, all available in our shop:

Shishito

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 60 days
• Heat Level: Mild. These Japanese peppers are incredibly popular for a reason. They are prolific producers and one of the fastest varieties to mature. Most Shishitos are mild and savory, but about one in ten will surprise you with a kick of heat! They are perfect for blistering in a hot pan with a bit of oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

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Hot Portugal

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 65 days
• Heat Level: Medium-Hot. This heirloom variety lives up to its name, producing fiery hot, 6-inch-long peppers impressively quickly. The fruits have a wrinkled skin and mature from a glossy green to a brilliant scarlet red. They are fantastic for making traditional hot sauces or for drying into spicy flakes.

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Bulgarian Carrot

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 65-70 days
• Heat Level: Hot. Don't let the name fool you; this pepper is all heat and no sweet. These crunchy, bright orange peppers have an intense, fruity flavor and a significant kick. They are incredibly productive and their vibrant color makes for a beautiful and delicious salsa.

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Fresno

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 75 days
• Heat Level: Hot. Often mistaken for a jalapeño, the Fresno pepper has thinner walls and a fruitier, smokier flavor, especially when it ripens to a deep red. These conical peppers are great for slicing fresh onto tacos, pickling, or making a flavorful, medium-heat hot sauce.

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Maule's Red-Hot

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 80 days
• Heat Level: Hot. An heirloom cayenne-type pepper, Maule's Red-Hot is a reliable producer, even in cooler northern climates. The long, thin peppers are perfect for drying to make your own chili flakes or for adding a kick to your favorite hot sauce recipe.

Shop Maule's Red-Hot Seeds

Tips for an Even Faster Harvest

To give your peppers a head start and make the most of your short season, follow these simple tips:

• Start Seeds Indoors: Sow your pepper seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. This will give you healthy, well-established seedlings to transplant into the garden once the weather warms up.
• Warm the Soil: Peppers love warm soil. Consider using black plastic or a dark-colored mulch to help the sun warm the soil more quickly in the spring.
• Use Containers: Planting in containers, especially dark-colored ones, can also help to keep the soil warm and give your peppers the heat they crave.

A short growing season doesn't have to mean a pepper-less summer. By choosing the right fast-maturing varieties, you can enjoy a spicy and rewarding harvest. Browse our collection of pepper seeds at Scorch Squad and get ready to turn up the heat in your garden this year!