Tips for Growing Peppers

We have six green bell pepper plants and one red bell pepper plant in our garden. They seem to be doing very well, even though we have had many 100+ F days the last 3 weeks (which is typical for our area). Thankfully, this week has been nice and cooler at about 88 F to 93 F.

Sweet peppers and hot peppers like nighttime temperatures between 70 F and 75 F, which is what we often have in the summer.

It’s easiest to start with transplants purchased from your local nursery. They will have varieties that do best in your area. Plant these about 24 inches apart.

Don’t plant until night temperatures are above 55 F.

They grow best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, with pH between 5.5 and 6.8.

When the first blooms show, give them some low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10 is good). Water regularly. If they don’t receive enough water the blooms will fall off.

At harvest time cut the peppers off with pruning shears or a sharp knife. They are usually ready to harvest 60 to 80 days after transplants have been set out.

Tags: Vegetable Garden