Pepper Growing Guide
Pepper Growing Guide
Soil Temp for Germ. Days to Emergence Seed Depth Soil Temp. for Trans. Plant Spacing Row Spacing Min. Germ. Seed Life Seeds per 1/4 gram Fertilizer Needs
70-90°F 8-25 1/4" 65°F 12-18" 24-30" 70% 2 years ≈ 35 High

Capsicum annuum Our wide array of fabulous peppers, both sweet and hot, offers one of the richest sources of nutrients in the plant kingdom. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which revs up your metabolism and reduces general inflammation in the body.

Days to maturity are calculated from date of transplanting and reflect edible green fruit.

Culture
• Peppers are warm-season annuals that grow best in composted, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5-6.8
• Extra calcium and phosphorus are needed for highest yields
• Plants perform best when grown in raised beds and covered with plastic mulch
• Row cover young plants, remove after blossoms form
• Peppers grow slowly in cool soils; do not transplant before weather has stabilized
• Peppers set fruit best between 65-85°F

Direct Sowing
• Not recommended

Transplanting
• Start seeds in trays 8-12 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Once seedlings have 2 sets of true leaves, up-pot to a 4 inch pot
• Use 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer and a shovelful of compost around each plant
• Fertilize with Age Old Bloom when plants begin to flower

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Flea beetles, aphids
• Insect control: Pyrethrin or row covers
• Common diseases: See chart below
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• Peppers are generally fully ripe and have the most flavor and vitamins when they turn red, yellow, purple, or orange
• Store at 45-55°F and 95% relative humidity

KEY TO PEPPER DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
BLS* | Bacterial Leaf Spot
Pc | Phythium Root Rot
PVY* | Potato Y potyvirus
RK | Root-Knot
TEV | Tobacco Etch Virus
TMV* | Tobacco Mosaic Virus
ToMV* | Tomato Mosaic Virus
TSWV* | Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
* Numbers indicate specific disease race.