Growing Peppers

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. (usually mid Jan. in zone 9) see How to start seeds
• Germination temperature: 80-85 degrees
• 6-21 days to germinate (moisture & temperature could effect germination times)
• Plant in garden when 8-10 weeks old & well developed
• Space 12 inches apart in beds
• Full sun, in heat of summer keep well watered they might wilt in late afternoon but will perk up when sun goes down.
• 60-75 days to harvest from planting in ground. Pepper plants will last years if they don’t freeze and are taken care of.
• Can also be grown in containers at least 12 inches deep.
• If saving the seeds do not let cross pollinate.
• Stake & tie up as needed for support
• To save seeds scrape seeds off veins and dry in cool place for at least 2 wks till they crack when bent.

Peppers like heat so don’t put in ground too soon. Usually Feb.-April is good. I always start them in cells, than after about 4 weeks pot up to 3-4″ pots which should hold them until planting out. Fertilize with fish emulsion every 2 weeks and continue through harvest. Harvest 60-75 days green or red, they average about 2″ long. If saving seeds wait till they are red and a little over ripe. Then cut open and scrape out seeds. Use gloves if they are hot!! Lay seeds on plate and dry. For some ideas on how to use all those peppers you are going to get see my recipes page.