Garden-Sown Peppers vs. Traditional Indoors-Started Peppers
| Feature | Garden-Sown Peppers (Burpee) | Traditional Indoors-Started Peppers |
|---|---|---|
| Planting Location | Sow directly in your garden in fertile, well-worked soil | Start indoors in seed trays or pots |
| Planting Time | Approximately one week before the last possible spring frost | 8–10 weeks before last expected frost (indoors) |
| Seed Spacing / Groups | Sow seeds 3–4′ apart in groups of 4–5 | Usually 1–2 seeds per pot or cell |
| Soil Coverage | Cover with ¼″ of fine soil | Cover lightly per seed packet instructions |
| Seedling Emergence | 10–21 days | 7–21 days depending on warmth and light |
| Thinning | Thin to stand 1 plant per group when plants are 4″ high | Thin to strongest seedling; transplant individually when ready |
| Hardening Off | Not needed — seeds already in the garden | Required — gradually acclimate seedlings before transplanting |
| Care | Keep soil evenly moist, thin, protect from frost if needed | Need consistent watering, light, and care until ready to transplant |
| Frost Protection | Optional row cover if frost expected | Must wait until after frost or protect transplants |
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Garden-Sown vs. Indoors-Started Peppers – Quick Guide
Garden-sown peppers from Burpee let you skip the indoor starting stage. You simply sow seeds in your garden about a week before the last spring frost, planting 3–4′ apart in groups of 4–5 and covering them with ¼″ of fine soil. Seedlings emerge in 10–21 days, and when they reach 4″ tall, you thin to 1 plant per group. Traditional peppers, in contrast, are started indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost and need careful watering, light, and a hardening-off period before planting in the garden. Garden-sown peppers are simpler, lower-maintenance, and give beginners a faster, hands-on way to grow healthy plants.