Pepper Growing Guide

From sweet bell peppers to fiery habaneros, peppers are incredibly rewarding to grow. These heat-loving plants thrive in American summers and offer endless culinary possibilities.

Pepper Varieties

Sweet Peppers

• California Wonder: Classic bell, thick walls, 75 days
• King of the North: Cold-tolerant bell, 68 days
• Jimmy Nardello: Italian frying pepper, sweet, 80 days
• Cubanelle: Excellent for frying, 65 days

Medium Heat Peppers

• Jalapeño: Classic heat, versatile, 75 days
• Poblano: Mild heat, great for stuffing, 80 days
• Anaheim: Mild, perfect for roasting, 80 days
• Serrano: Hotter than jalapeño, 85 days

Hot Peppers

• Cayenne: Classic heat for drying, 75 days
• Habanero: Fruity and extremely hot, 95 days
• Thai: Small, prolific, very hot, 90 days
• Ghost Pepper: One of the hottest, 120+ days

Starting Peppers from Seed

Peppers need a long growing season. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost.

Germination Tips

• Use heat mats—peppers need 80-85°F soil for germination
• Light isn't required for germination
• Be patient—germination takes 7-21 days
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Transplanting

When to Transplant

Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55°F. Peppers hate cold and won't grow in cool soil.

Hardening Off

Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting.

Planting

• Space plants 18-24 inches apart
• Plant slightly deeper than pot level
• Add phosphorus-rich fertilizer to planting hole
• Water deeply after transplanting

Growing Care

Watering

Provide 1-2 inches per week. Consistent moisture prevents blossom end rot and cracking. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease.

Fertilizing

Use balanced fertilizer at planting. Once flowering begins, switch to lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus fertilizer. Too much nitrogen causes lush foliage but few peppers.

Support

Large-fruited varieties benefit from staking or caging to prevent branches from breaking under pepper weight.

Common Problems

• Blossom drop: Temperature stress (too hot or cold). Provide afternoon shade if over 90°F.
• Blossom end rot: Calcium deficiency due to irregular watering
• Sunscald: Whitish patches from direct sun. Maintain good leaf cover.

Harvesting

Peppers can be harvested green or left to ripen to full color. Ripe peppers have more vitamins and complex flavors. Cut rather than pull peppers to avoid plant damage.