How to Grow Fresno Pepper From Seed
Updated July 2026
Fresno is a glossy, conical chile that looks like a jalapeno but ripens from green to bright red with a fruitier, slightly hotter bite. At roughly 2,500 to 10,000 Scoville heat units it sits in the same friendly medium range as a jalapeno, making it a versatile all-purpose cooking pepper. Pick it green for a crisp, grassy heat or ripen it red for a sweeter, smokier flavor.
This is the quick guide to Fresno. For the full step-by-step on starting seeds, transplanting, feeding, and troubleshooting peppers, see our complete guide to growing peppers from seed.
Quick start
Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before your last frost, kept warm at 75 to 85F. Harden the plants off, then transplant them out 18 to 24 inches apart once nights stay above 55F. Give full sun, steady water, and a stake or cage. Pick peppers green from about 70 to 80 days, or leave them on the plant to ripen glossy bright red and sweeter.
Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before your last frost, kept warm at 75 to 85F. Harden the plants off, then transplant them out 18 to 24 inches apart once nights stay above 55F. Give full sun, steady water, and a stake or cage. Pick peppers green from about 70 to 80 days, or leave them on the plant to ripen glossy bright red and sweeter.
Best tip
At a glance
Botanical nameCapsicum annuum
Plant typeWarm-season annual
USDA zones3 to 12 (grown as an annual)
SunFull sun (6 to 8+ hours)
Days to maturity70 to 80 days green; ~90 red
Height24 to 30 inches
Spacing18 to 24 inches apart
WaterRegular and deep; keep evenly moist
Uses
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Fresno pepper take to grow?
Fresno peppers are usually pickable green about 70 to 80 days after transplanting, and ripen to bright red roughly 2 weeks later. Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost for the strongest plants.
How hot is a Fresno pepper?
Fresno peppers run about 2,500 to 10,000 Scoville heat units, roughly the same as a jalapeno but often a touch hotter and fruitier, especially once they ripen to red. It is a friendly medium heat.
What is the difference between a Fresno and a jalapeno?
They look similar when green, but Fresnos are typically ripened to bright red with thinner walls and a fruitier, slightly hotter flavor. Jalapenos are usually eaten green with thicker walls. Fresnos shine fresh and in hot sauces.
When do I pick Fresno peppers?
Pick Fresnos green for a crisp, grassy medium heat, or wait until they turn glossy bright red for a sweeter, fruitier, slightly hotter flavor. Red Fresnos are the classic choice for hot sauces and salsas.
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