Growing Peppers

Peppers are more exacting than tomatoes in their requirements, but may be grown over a wide range in the U.S. and southern Canada. Being hot-weather plants, peppers cannot be planted in the North until the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost is over. In the South, planting dates vary with the location, fall planting being practiced in some locations.

As peppers are of tropical origin, plants thrive best when temperatures are warm. Being sensitive to the cold, planting should be delayed until the danger of frost is past in the spring. Ideal temperatures are 70 to 80 degrees F during the day, and 60 to 70 degrees F at night.

Pepper plants grow best in warm, well-drained soils of moderate fertility and well tilled. The plants are not particularly sensitive to soil acidity, but best results are obtained in the 6.0 to 6.8 pH range. Adjust soil fertility as indicated by soil test results. Fertilizers of a 1-2-2 ratio, such as 5-10-10 or 8-16-16 are often used for growing peppers.

Peppers are best if planted from transplants. If purchasing transplants from a gerdening center be sure to select stocky, sturdy plants that have 3 to 5 sets of true leaves. Do not buy plants that are flowering or have fruit already established. Do not put your plants into your garden too early. Be sure the soil has warmed up and consider mulching to keep the soil temperature constant.

If you want to start from seed you should do so 6 to 8 weeks before needed. The seeds and plants require a somewhat higher temperature than those of the tomato. Otherwise they are handled in exactly the same way.

When planting seedlings in the garden, choose an area with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Peppers need a steady supply of water, but are not very tolerant of soggy conditions, and like most garden vegetables, require 8 or more hours of sun each day.

Set seedlings in the ground at about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deeper than they were set in the pot, leaving 18 inches (45 cm) between plants and 24 inches (60 cm) between rows. Add a garden stake or tomato cage to provide support for the growing plant, and mulch well between plants to keep soil warm and moist and to hinder weed growth.

A shortage of water at bloom time can also result in blossom drop or failure to set fruit. Usually, the plants set satisfactory crops when temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees F (19 to 27 C) and the soil is well-supplied with moisture. Avoid a soggy, water-logged soil condition when growing peppers.

Peppers can be harvested at any time after the fruit have reached the desired size. Green bell peppers are generally harvested before full maturity, when the fruit are still green, but can be allowed to ripe on the plant until they reach their mature red color. Allowing fruit to ripe on the plant will produce a sweeter taste, but harvesting some of the fruit from a plant before maturity simulates additional fruit production.

When harvesting, using gloves, use a sharp knife or pruners to avoid damaging the plant. One word of caution, don’t rub your eyes while working with the fruit, oils will get on your hands and will definitely irritate the eyes. All peppers will turn red when ripe, but flavor is not influenced by maturity. Pick the fruit, no matter the color, when it achieves the size you need or want.