How to Grow, Store & Preserve Peppers Successfully
As a gardening enthusiast, I am always fascinated by the wide range of pepper varieties available to grow. From sweet to habanero, Italian saute peppers to pickling peppers, there is a pepper for every taste and recipe.
However, I've come to realize that growing peppers is not as easy as some may claim. It requires proper preparation and the right planting site to produce abundant peppers with rich color and flavor.
In this article, I will share my experience and knowledge on the simple basics of growing peppers, from preparing the site, planting and caring for peppers, to harvesting and storing them.
Preparing the Site for Growing Peppers
Choosing the right site for growing peppers is crucial to their success. Here's what I've learned about preparing the site for growing peppers:
Sun and Soil Quality
Peppers need a sunny, well-drained spot to grow. A minimum of 8 hours of sunlight is essential for their growth, and they can even handle all-day sunshine. If the soil is poor, I take the time to dig in a good compost to develop a rich, loose, loam.
I avoid using high nitrogen additives and opt for a well-balanced compost. I also add a little magnesium to the soil using Epsom salt.
Planting Timing
It's essential to wait until the right time to plant pepper seedlings or nursery plants. Peppers do not like cool temperatures, so they will root and develop best once the overnight temperatures are consistently 60 degrees.
Planting too early can stress the young plants, which may never completely recover. I wait at least 3 weeks after the last frost to plant out my pepper seedlings.
Just like we patiently wait to put our tomatoes in the ground, we need to wait a little longer to plant the peppers.
Planting Peppers for Optimal Growth
Planting and spacing peppers properly are essential for their growth and development.
Planting Depth and Soil Preparation
I plant peppers about 12-18" apart, depending on the mature size of the variety I have selected. I dig deep holes for my peppers because I want to plant them deeper than they were in the seedling pot. The plants should be buried nearly up to the first set of leaves to allow for plenty of stem to take deep root. After planting, I give the soil a slow but thorough and deep soaking.
Watering Techniques
Once planted, I continue to give my peppers an inch of water per week, ideally using a soaking hose (drip irrigation) instead of overhead sprinkling. Since peppers are shallow-rooted plants, mulching helps the roots stay moist once the summer heat sets in.
Spacing and Staking
Proper spacing is crucial to avoid overcrowding and allow good air circulation around the plants. Staking the plants can help keep the fruit clean and dry by holding it above the soil. Some pepper varieties produce tall plants that may require additional support to prevent them from falling over in strong winds or bending under the weight of heavy fruit.
Mulching
Mulching around the plants helps keep the roots moist in the summer heat. However, it's important not to over-mulch, as it can prevent the soil from drying out and lead to root rot. A two to three-inch layer of mulch around the plants is sufficient.
Feeding and Staking Pepper Plants
Feeding and staking pepper plants properly can help ensure a healthy harvest.
Feeding Pepper Plants
Properly feeding pepper plants is crucial for their growth and development. Too much nitrogen can encourage very fast growth, producing weak, inferior plants and fruit that are susceptible to insect and disease problems. However, nitrogen is important to develop full foliage that will protect fruits from sunscald.
I top-dress the soil around plants about four inches from the stem with compost or granular fertilizer. I use a well-balanced fertilizer with nitrogen and phosphorus, being careful not to overapply. A ratio of 5-10-10 is great for peppers.
I reapply every four weeks until the fruits are developing heavily, then apply every two weeks. A slow-release fertilizer is a nice alternative to repeated application as it works all season long. I resist the temptation to constantly apply liquid fertilizer.
Staking Pepper Plants
Staking pepper plants can help keep the fruit clean and dry by holding it above the soil. Some pepper varieties produce tall plants that may require additional support to prevent them from falling over in strong winds or bending under the weight of heavy fruit.
Choosing the Right Material for Staking
It's important to choose the right material for staking pepper plants. Avoid using twist ties or garden twine, as they can cause damage to the stems by not flexing with the plant's growth and swaying. I prefer using stretchy materials such as old hosiery to tie loosely to stakes or plant supports. It's crucial to avoid damaging the stems while staking the plants, as it can lead to the plant's poor growth and fruit production.
Pinching off Flower Buds
When the first few flower buds are produced, you should pinch them off. These first few will only produce inferior fruits anyway, and it will allow the plant to focus on developing more and larger fruits later.
Harvesting Your Peppers
Harvesting your peppers is a crucial step in the growing process.
Using Proper Tools
When harvesting peppers, I always use a sharp knife or small hand pruner to produce a clean cut and minimize damage to the plant.
Pulling or twisting them off the stem will cause damage and weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to disease.
Harvesting Frequency
Frequent harvesting of most pepper varieties will increase the harvest, but it may diminish the flavor. For example, bell peppers are often harvested green, but allowing them to mature to their full color of red, orange, or yellow will produce the best flavor.
To ensure a longer harvest season, I plant enough pepper plants to harvest early while allowing some plants to fully mature and harvest late in the season.
Storing and Preserving Peppers
As an avid pepper grower, I understand the importance of storing and preserving them properly to enjoy their delicious taste for as long as possible.
Here are some tips:
Storing Peppers: Peppers are best consumed fresh, but if you can't eat them right away, store them on the kitchen counter for a few days before transferring them to the warmest "crisper" drawer in your fridge. This method will help them last longer than storing them in colder temperatures.
Preserving Peppers: If you have harvested more peppers than you can eat, try preserving them in the following ways:
Freezing: Peppers can be frozen whole or diced and then used for soups, stews, and sautés. They may lose their crispness but will retain their flavor.
Pickling: Peppers can be pickled like cucumbers in simple brines made of equal parts water and vinegar with pickling salt. You can add herbs and a garlic clove for added flavor. Pickled peppers make a great addition to sandwiches and salads.
Drying: Thin-walled peppers like hot peppers can be dried for later use. Simply thread them onto a string and hang them in a warm, dry place until they are completely dry. You can then store them in a jar or grind them into flakes for use as a seasoning.
Pests and Disease: Keeping Peppers Healthy
Peppers are generally hardy plants, but they can still be vulnerable to pests and diseases.
By taking a few precautions and selecting the right varieties, you can help ensure a healthy and bountiful pepper crop.
Protecting Peppers from Pests and Diseases
Just like tomatoes, peppers benefit from being kept clean and dry. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to fungal issues, and space your plants properly to encourage good air circulation.
Supporting your fruits up off the ground can also help prevent damage and rot.
Choosing Disease-Resistant Pepper Varieties
Selecting disease-resistant varieties is another way to help protect your peppers. Look for varieties that are known to perform well in your region, and consider their resistance to common pepper diseases like bacterial spot, tobacco mosaic virus, and Phytophthora blight.
Dealing with Destructive Pests
Several pests can damage pepper plants, including caterpillars, cutworms, and tomato hornworms.
If you notice any of these pests on your plants, remove them manually or use organic pest control methods.
Understanding Pepper Varieties and Preferences
Different varieties of peppers can have slightly different preferences. Pay attention to factors like soil pH, water, and light requirements to ensure that your peppers grow and produce as well as possible.
For example, withholding water can increase the heat of hot peppers, and some varieties may do better in containers than in the ground.
Wrapping It Up
growing peppers can be a rewarding experience with a vast array of varieties to choose from. However, it is important to prepare the right site and soil to produce abundant, flavorful peppers.
From selecting disease-resistant varieties to properly feeding and staking the plants, there are various steps to follow to ensure a successful pepper harvest.
Additionally, storing and preserving excess peppers is possible through freezing, pickling, and drying. Although peppers are generally not prone to pests and diseases, it is important to watch for destructive insects and keep the plants clean and dry.
By experimenting with different varieties and their preferences, you can enjoy a colorful and delicious harvest of peppers.