Propagate by
seed
Germination temperature: 70 F to 95 F
- Will not germinate below 55 F.
Days to emergence: 7 to 10
- at soil temperatures around 85 F.
Seed can be saved 2 years.
Sow seeds indoors, 1/4 inch deep in flats, peat pots or cellpacks, 8-10
weeks before you anticipate transplanting outside. Seed germinates best
when soil temperature is 80 F or higher. It will not germinate below 55
F.Keep
plants indoors in a warm (70 F during the day, 65 F at night), sunny
location. Lack of light will produce leggy, unproductive transplants.
Don't
be in a rush to transplant outside. Cold temperatures can weaken plants
and they may never fully recover. A few days at 60 F to 65 F with
reduced water will help harden plants and reduce transplant shock.
Over-hardened plants grow slowly after transplanting.
Set plants
out 2 to 3 weeks after average last frost when the soil has warmed and
the weather has settled. Plant them 12 to 24 inches apart, in rows 24
to 36 inches apart, or spaced about 14 to 16 inches apart in raised
beds.
Use black plastic and/or row covers to speed soil warming
and early growth. Use caution with row covers not to overheat plants
and cause them to drop their blossoms.
If not using black
plastic, mulch plants after they are well established and the soil has
warmed to retain moisture and control weeds.
Peppers can be
temperamental when it comes to setting fruit if temperatures are too
hot or too cool. Nighttime temperatures below 60 F or above 75 F can
reduce fruit set.
Too much nitrogen fertilizer may promote lush
vegetative growth but fewer fruits. Peppers usually responds well to
phosphorus fertilizer.
Stake tall varieties for earlier and heavier harvest.
Peppers
need even moisture for best performance. An even supply can reduce
blossom end rot, a disorder caused by lack of calcium.
Do not plant in same spot more than once every 4 years.
