Melinda's Garden Moment Radio Tips
Melinda Myers
Nationally known gardening expert, TV/Radio host, author & columnist with over 30 years of horticulture experience and tons of gardening information to share! www.melindamyers.comMelinda's Garden Moment videos will help you create that beautiful landscape you’ve always wanted. Each week throughout the growing season, a new gardening video will be added right here, so be sure to stop back. You can also watch Melinda’s Garden Moments on your local network TV station affiliate.
You may have grown them in the garden, but consider adding a few ornamental peppers to your indoor fall and winter décor.
Often referred to as Christmas peppers, these are the same as the ornamental peppers grown outdoors.
Their popularity as an indoor plant has fluctuated over time, but some garden centers and florists are selling these along with poinsettias as holiday plants.
Grow them in a cool sunny window that receives at least several hours of direct sunlight. Daytime temperatures around 70 and cooler nighttime temps of 65 degrees will help prolong flowering and fruiting.
Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while allowing plants to dry to the point of wilting can lead to flower and fruit drop.
The fruit are edible, but very hot. So, consider enjoying their beauty and using your favorite sweet and hot pepper varieties for meals.
A bit more information: Jerusalem cherry, also known as Christmas cherry, is another holiday plant that has come in and out of popularity. Enjoy their beauty, but display it out of the reach of pets and children as the fruit is toxic.