Description
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
Spacing: Plant sweet pepper transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 24 to 36 inches apart.
Depth: Sow sweet pepper seeds ¼ inch deep.
Sun & Soil Requirements: Sweet peppers require full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. They prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Indoors: Start sweet pepper seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Keep the soil moist and warm (70 to 80°F) until the seeds germinate.
Outdoors: Transplant sweet pepper seedlings outdoors after the last frost date in your area, when the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F.
Germination Time: Sweet pepper seeds usually germinate in 8 to 14 days, depending on the temperature and moisture levels.
Companion Planting: Sweet peppers benefit from being planted near basil, beans, carrots, cucumbers, marigolds, onions, oregano, parsley, rosemary, squash, and tomatoes. Avoid planting them near fennel or kohlrabi.
Watering Requirements: Sweet peppers need consistent moisture, especially during the fruiting stage. Water deeply once a week or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Fertilizer Requirements: Sweet peppers benefit from regular applications of a balanced, organic fertilizer. Apply once a month during the growing season.
Pests: Common pests that may attack sweet peppers include aphids, flea beetles, spider mites, and thrips. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and pyrethrin-based insecticides can be used to control pests.
Timing: Sweet peppers typically take 60 to 90 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Growing: Sweet peppers require warm temperatures and consistent moisture to thrive. Provide support for the plants as they grow, and pinch off the first few flower buds to encourage stronger, bushier growth.
Harvest Tips: Sweet peppers are ready to harvest when they are fully mature and have developed their characteristic color (red, yellow, orange, or purple). Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small piece of stem attached.
Season Tolerance: Sweet peppers are warm-season vegetables that grow best in temperatures between 70 and 85°F. They are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures and should not be planted until after the last frost date in your area.
