Pepper Growing Guide: Planting, Care, and Harvesting Tips
Peppers are a staple in home gardens, offering a wide variety of flavors and heat levels. From sweet bell peppers to fiery habaneros, peppers can thrive in your garden with the proper care. Here’s how to grow peppers successfully from seed to harvest.
Click here to access the complete Pepper Growing Guide (PDF) for detailed information on soil preparation, planting, and long-term care.
Types of Peppers and Their Heat Levels (SHU – Scoville Heat Units):
• Bell Peppers: Sweet, 0 SHU, available in green, red, yellow, and more.
• Banana Peppers: Sweet, thin-walled, 0 SHU.
• Jalapeno: Mildly hot, 5,000-15,000 SHU.
• Cayenne: Hot, narrow, 25,000-50,000 SHU.
• Habanero: Extremely hot, 100,000-350,000 SHU.
• New Mexico (Anaheim): Mild, 1,000-5,000 SHU.
• Cherry Peppers: Round, hot or sweet.
• Pimento Peppers: Sweet, thick-walled, 0 SHU.
Best Growing Conditions for Peppers
Soil and Sun Requirements:
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0.
• Temperature: Soil 70–85°F (optimum germination at 85°F).
• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day).
• Watering: Water when the soil is dry to touch, soaking to 6” depth.
Companion Planting:
• Good Companions: Basil, carrots, marjoram, oregano, onions, tomatoes, eggplants.
• Avoid Planting Near: Fennel, kohlrabi.
How to Plant and Grow Peppers
Starting Seeds Indoors:
• Timing: Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date.
• Sowing: Plant seeds ¼” deep in damp, soilless mix (e.g., Quickroot).
• Temperature: Maintain 65–85°F using a heat mat.
• Light: Place under grow lights.
• Fertilizing: Feed with diluted hydrolyzed fish and kelp every 14 days once true leaves form.
Hardening Off and Transplanting:
• Hardening Off: Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days.
• Transplanting: Plant in well-drained soil when night temperatures stay above 60°F.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–15” apart.
Pepper Care Tips for Maximum Yield
• Mulching: Use mulch or silver reflective film to retain soil moisture and increase yields.
• Supporting Plants: Stake or use a trellis for support, especially for heavy fruiting varieties.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer but avoid excess nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage growth.
• Sun Protection: Use shade cloth or companion planting to prevent sunscald on fruits.
Harvesting Peppers
• When to Harvest: Peppers can be picked green or left to ripen to their mature color.
• Picking Tip: Frequently picking peppers encourages new flowers and more fruit.
• Saving Seeds: Save seeds from fully mature, open-pollinated varieties. Dry completely and store in a cool, dry place.
Common Pepper Pests and Diseases
Pests:
• Aphids: Found on leaf undersides. Control with strong water spray or organic insecticides.
• Cutworms: Protect seedlings with collars.
• Flea Beetles: Leave tiny holes in leaves. Use beneficial insects or labeled insecticides.
• Hornworms: Handpick from plants.
• Whiteflies: Control with water spray or organic insecticides.
Diseases:
• Blossom End Rot: Caused by calcium deficiency and inconsistent watering.
• Leaf Spot: Often transmitted by aphids.
• Phytophthora Stem Rot: Occurs due to poor drainage.
• Southern Blight: Prevent with crop rotation and adding organic matter.
• Sunscald: Protect with shade fabrics.
Pest Management with Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
• Cultural Controls: Rotate crops every 3 years and remove plants after harvest.
• Physical Barriers: Use Agribon AG15 row covers for protection.
• Biological Controls: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Peppers
• Are peppers annuals or perennials? They are perennials in warm climates but grown as annuals in colder regions.
• How to increase pepper yield? Pick peppers regularly and keep the soil warm with mulch or fabric.
• How to make peppers hotter? Plant in the sunniest part of the garden and ensure proper nutrition.
• Why are my peppers malformed? Likely due to poor pollination. Attract pollinators and hand-pollinate if needed.
Nutritional Benefits of Peppers:
Peppers are low in calories and rich in vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and essential minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
