Pepper

Botanical Name

Capsicum annuum

Hardiness

Annual

Height

1 to 3 feet

Width

1 to 3 feet

Flowers

Early to late summer: white

Fruit

Bell types; banana types; chili types; sweet to very hot; variety of colors, flavors and sizes

Light

Full sun

Soil

Moist, well drained, organic

Planting & Care

Pepper seeds best germinate in warm soil temperatures of 80 F to 95 F. Pepper seeds will not germinate in temperatures below 55 F.
Start plants indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting outside. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep
Harden off transplants before planting
Plant only when all danger of frost has passed and the air and soil have warmed
Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart
Use floating row covers to protect plants from temperature dips. Extreme heat and cold can cause pepper plants to drop their blossoms.
Providing even moisture is critical to fruit set and development
Mulch soil around plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture and temperature
Tall varieties or those with heavy fruit may need staking

Problems

Aphids, borers, cucumber mosaic virus, blossom end rot

Varieties

Big Early Hybrid - thick walled, 8 inches long, sweet, ripens to red
Caribbean Red - very hot, habanero type, red flesh, use carefully
Filus Blue - beautiful ornamental with violet tinged leaves, round purple fruit, great in container grouping