Peppers
Peppers are a warm season crop. They are divided into 3 groups: sweet, mild and hot based on their degree of hotness. This vegetable needs a lot of sun and heat to produce well. They can be seeded directly however they need a long growing season, so it is best to start them as transplants. Botanical Family - Solanaceae/Nightshade Family Location - Very sunny, well drained and open. Soil - A loose, loam, containing some gravel and having gravel rather than clay subsoil is best. Should not be acidic. They do best in soil that does not contain an excess of nitrogen. Too rich of soil forms leaves but poor fruiting. Soil Preparation - Dig 1 inch layer of compost or aged manure before planting. Seed Info-
Planting Times - Sow indoors mid April; transplant at 6-8 weeks. Planting Instruction - Transplants need to be well watered . Companion Planting
Watering - Need to have regular watering during early stage of growth, once the plant is established less water is needed. Weeding - Keep weeded while plants are small. Disease & Insects - Cutworms: use collars at plant base. Use crop rotation. Harvest - 
When fruit is firm it is ready to pick; fruit will ripen further to red or yellow skin; once they are harvested more fruit will form.Storage - Store in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the warmer part of the refrigerator. They will last 1-2 weeks. Do not wash if storing fresh. They can be preserved by drying, pickling or canning. Returning from Peppers to Vegetable List Returning to homepage
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