Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING PEPPERS
FAMILY
NAME
Solanaceae (nightshade family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Fruits.
LOCATION
Very sunny area.
BEST SOIL
Fertile, well-drained soil that does not have an excess of
nitrogen; soil that is too rich will form leaves but poor fruiting;
pH 5.5-6.8.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before you plan to put them into
your garden. Transplant them when the temperature is 65ºF.
HOW TO
PLANT
Set out plants 18 inches apart in rows spaced 30 to 36 inches
apart.
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
5 to 10 plants per person.
WEEDING
Keep well weeded when plants are small.
WATERING
Water regularly and keep soil moist when the plant is flowering
and fruiting.
FERTILIZING
Use fish fertilizer or compost tea after the first bloom and then
after the fruit starts to form.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Aphids, armyworms, Colorado potato beetles, corn borers, mites,
and cutworms are some common pests.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Peppers mature between 60 and 95 days after planting
depending on the variety. Harvest sweet peppers when they are
firm and full size. You can harvest them when they are green or
leave them to turn red, orange, or yellow. Harvest hot peppers
when they are full size and have turned yellow, red, or dark
green depending on the variety.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Cut or gently pull the pepper from the plant, leaving a stem of
⁄ -inch.
1
2
STORAGE
Fresh peppers will last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if not
washed, and placed in a sealed plastic bag. Peppers can be
frozen, dried, and preserved by pickling or canning them.
