Growing Peppers

If you’re looking for a plant to add to your garden that offers big rewards for a small investment, look no further than the humble pepper. Not only do peppers come in a wide variety of flavors and heat levels, but they’re also incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of cuisines. It’s no wonder that many gardeners refer to these plants as “money trees” – you can purchase a whole packet of seeds for the same price as a single pepper in some cases. In this post, we’ll explore the many benefits of growing your own peppers and provide some tips and tricks for getting started. So, let’s dive in and explore the secrets to growing bountiful and flavorful peppers. Don’t miss my Pepper Planting Guide at the bottom of this page!

Choosing the right varieties

Selecting the right pepper varieties to grow can be challenging due to the wide variety available. However, it’s important to start with the end goal in mind. Ask yourself, what do you plan to do with the harvest? Are there specific cuisines that you frequently cook? For instance, if you want to make salsa, then you should consider growing peppers that are ideal for salsa recipes. While the basic bell pepper is an excellent mild option, don’t be afraid to experiment with other varieties. Keep in mind that each hot pepper has its unique flavor profile, so be sure to read the seed packets or seed catalogs’ descriptions to understand each variety better. Additionally, consider your growing season length since some peppers can take up to 100 days to mature.

Here are some of my favorites:

Sweet and Mild

Cal Wonder
King of the North
Sweet Sunset Italian Pepper
Marconi Red Pepper

Hot and Spicy

Jalafuego
Takaa Shishito
Ancho Grande Poblano
Cayenne Thick

Starting Seeds

To ensure your peppers mature in time for harvesting, it’s best to start them indoors, especially if you live in a cooler climate. Most pepper varieties take between 60 to 80 days to reach maturity, but some can take as long as 100 days, so check the seed packet for specific information. Since peppers need warm temperatures to germinate, consider using a heat mat or placing them in a warm area, such as on top of your fridge. It’s recommended to start your pepper seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your average last frost date. Germination should be expected in 7-14 days. If you notice any flowers forming on your plants while they’re still inside, carefully remove them at the base to encourage better growth later on.

Planting

It’s time to transplant your pepper seedlings to the garden after the last frost has passed and your soil temperature has reached about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait for the seedlings to develop a few sets of true leaves before moving them outside. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and sprinkle a small handful of slow-release, organic fertilizer. To ensure proper airflow between plants, space them 18-24 inches apart.

Pepper plants will grow large and heavy with peppers, so it’s essential to provide support such as a stake or cage. Insert the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later on. It doesn’t have to be complicated; sturdy sticks can even do the trick.

Peppers thrive in full sun, so choose a sunny, south-facing spot in your garden. To avoid root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining, and avoid planting in low-lying areas. If your soil is too compact, add organic material to improve it.

Within the first month of being in the garden, your pepper plants will develop flowers that will eventually become peppers. While it’s exciting to see the first few flowers, it’s essential to trim them off within the first 2-3 weeks after planting. By doing this, the plant can focus its energy on developing strong roots and foliage before producing fruit. A healthy plant means a bountiful harvest!

Care

Throughout the growing season, it’s important to provide your peppers with proper nutrition and hydration. Use an organic fertilizer on a monthly basis, such as Fish Emulsion, particularly when the plants are beginning to set fruit to promote growth. Since peppers require consistent moisture, applying a mulch around the base of the plant can help regulate temperature and retain moisture. Aim to give them one inch of water per week at the base of the plant, but keep in mind that more may be necessary during extremely hot weather.

Pests and Disease

Aphids are a common pest for pepper plants and can be problematic as they often target new growth. They cluster on the underside of leaves and suck sugars from the plant causing discoloration and wilt. To combat aphids, using neem oil is an effective solution, but it may need to be reapplied regularly.

Pepper plants are susceptible to fungal diseases and blossom end rot. Regularly pruning dead or sick-looking leaves and maintaining consistent watering to keep the plant healthy can help prevent fungal infections. In case of a fungal infection, organic fungicides can be sprayed on the leaves as a treatment option.

Harvest

Harvest your peppers when they have reached the desired size and color for that particular variety. Regular harvesting will typically increase the yield of most varieties. While it is preferable for peppers to mature on the plant, they can still ripen indoors if picked prematurely. This can be particularly useful as the growing season nears its end and the threat of frost looms, preventing the wastage of any remaining peppers.