What is the trick to growing peppers?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Cultivating peppers requires careful consideration of soil warmth and sun exposure. It starts with choosing the best varieties suited for your climate: sweet bells for cooler climates, and superhots for long growing seasons. I have found that warming the soil with black plastic about two weeks before planting facilitates earlier root growth.
Soil Temperature
- Aim for 65-85°F (18-29°C) using a probe thermometer
- Cold soils stunt growth, use cloches in early season
- Mulch after soil warms to retain heat
Sunlight Management
- Provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Use 30% shade cloth above 90°F (32°C)
- Rotate pots for even exposure
Fertilization Strategy
- Apply 5-10-10 NPK at planting
- Switch to 3-12-12 during flowering
- Avoid high nitrogen to prevent leafy overgrowth
Avoid some common mistakes such as overwatering. Peppers like to drink deeply and infrequently - 1-2 inches a week. In a drought year, I lost half of my crop to blossom-end rot. Now I use drip irrigation with timers to keep the moisture consistent without waterlogging the roots.
Manage pests naturally. Aphids tend to steer clear of basil companions, while neem oil is an effective control for spider mites. Last season, I released ladybugs into my greenhouse, and they destroyed a mature colony of aphids in less than three days. Row covers, or insect netting, also shield seedlings from beetles.
Read the full article: How to Grow Peppers: Expert Harvest Tips
