Pepper Growing Guide

Peppers are versatile, vibrant plants that can be sweet or spicy, making them a favorite in many gardens. Here’s how to successfully sow and grow peppers:

When to Sow

Indoors: Sow pepper seeds 8-10 weeks before the last frost date.
Germination: Peppers require warm soil to germinate, so start them indoors and transplant after the last frost, when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55°F. For more information on different pepper types, check out sweet pepper varieties or hot pepper types.

Indoor Sowing

Start seeds in seed trays or small pots with well-draining soil mix.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, keeping the soil moist and warm (70-85°F).
Use a heat mat if necessary. Germination occurs within 7-21 days.
Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions for a week before transplanting.

Outdoor Transplanting

Choose a sunny, well-drained location.
Transplant seedlings 18-24 inches apart, with rows spaced 24-36 inches apart.
Peppers thrive in warm soil, so using black plastic mulch can help warm the soil before transplanting. Water thoroughly after planting and apply balanced fertilizer for healthy growth. For raised bed setups, explore growing peppers in raised beds.

Care & Maintenance

Light: Peppers need full sun to thrive.
Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Support: Use stakes or cages to support plants as they grow, especially once they start bearing fruit. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Pests & Diseases

Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Manage them with insecticidal soap or beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Peppers are also susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and blossom-end rot. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and maintain consistent moisture to prevent these issues.

Harvesting

Peppers can be harvested at any stage based on your preference.
Sweet Peppers: For full flavor, allow them to ripen and change color on the plant.
Hot Peppers: Pick when they reach their mature size and color.
Use scissors or garden shears to cut peppers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production. Learn more about harvesting peppers and how to dry and store peppers.

Garden Use

Peppers thrive in garden beds, raised beds, and containers.
They are excellent companion plants for tomatoes, basil, and onions, adding both beauty and flavor to your garden.

Pepper Growing GuideUpdated 12 days ago