Peppers are native to the tropics, which explains why they thrive in warm weather. As tempting as it is to get a jump-start on the gardening season, do not plant your peppers when it is still cool outdoors. And keep in mind that while their heat flavor largely depends on genetics, their growing conditions are also a factor. Research shows that a less-than-ideal environment will impact a pepper’s heat. So providing optimal, stress-free growing conditions is important. See favorite hot pepper varieties.
Plant in full sun
Pepper plants need at least 8 hours of sun per day and do best in well-drained soil with a pH range around 5.5 to 7. When planting out new seedlings or plants, make sure they are hardened off first.
Water regularly
Plants require approximately 1 inch of water a week and do best in soil that is rich in organic matter. If the soil is properly amended, you shouldn’t need to use synthetic fertilizers.
Water regularly.Photo: courtesy of Keegan Clifford
Provide support
To keep plants upright, especially when they are loaded with fruit, stake them. You can do so in any number of ways, such as using tomato cages or wooden stakes, or even planting near trellises. Just be sure to get your staking in place at planting time, as it is difficult to do so when plants are mature.
Remove the flowers
For higher yields, pinch off any blossoms until the plant has matured. Hot peppers get hotter the longer they are left on the plant, but you can harvest and use them when they are green. Most peppers change color as they mature, which is an indicator that they are fully ripe.
Keegan Clifford is a lifelong vegetable gardener who grows beautiful produce in his garden in Middletown, Maryland.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Wagner's 52003 Classic Blend Wild Bird Food, 6-Pound Bag
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Classic wild bird food uses the highest quality grains to attract backyard wild Birds. A high-quality mix containing Millet, milo, cracked corn and Sunflower for a wide range of wild birds to enjoy. Perfect for tube, hopper, or platform feeders. Great to feed in all seasons! Perfect for the winter, when seeds are scarce; spring and summer for hatchlings; and autumn to give energy to migrating birds. This seed will help you fill your yard with birds such as Jays, cardinals, doves, Juncos, finches, goosebeaks, any many more.
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic. IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb, and more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants. EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants—indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more! NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds. 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes, and gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!
Comments
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in