Pepper plants should generally be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for healthy growth and good air circulation. This spacing helps prevent disease and pest problems by reducing overcrowding and allowing foliage to dry properly after watering or rain

. More specifically:

• For most pepper varieties, 18 inches between plants is ideal, with rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart

• Larger varieties like bell peppers benefit from about 18 inches between plants and 30 to 36 inches between rows

• Some smaller or more compact varieties like jalapeños or cayenne peppers can be spaced a bit closer, around 12 to 18 inches apart

• Staggering plants in a triangular or grid pattern can maximize space efficiency, especially in raised beds

• Planting peppers closer than 12 inches is generally not recommended due to poor air circulation and increased risk of disease

In summary, spacing pepper plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 24 to 36 inches apart is a good general guideline, adjusted slightly based on the pepper variety and growing conditions