Pepper, sweet

Peppers are one of the oldest vegetables in the world (3400 BC). Peppers add taste and texture to many dishes as well as providing high amounts of vitamin A & C, especially when fully matured. CULTURE: Peppers are warm season plants, sensitive to cold temperatures and drought conditions. Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost is gone and night time temperatures are above 50F/10C. Cool night temperatures will delay growth and fruit set. Temperatures below 40F/5C can stop growth permanently. SOIL: Almost any warm soil can be used to grow peppers. pH 6.5-7.2 FERTILITY: Peppers need constant moisture and uniform nutrients for good yields. Excessive nitrogen can cause large plants with no fruit. We recommend using a slow release 4-10-12. Calcium can reduce blossom end rot. GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 75-85F/25-30C. Poor germination is a result of too cool or erratic temperatures. Grow on at 70F/21C. SPACING: We use twin rows 40" apart with plants spaced 14-16" apart. PESTS: Tarnished Plant Bug - stings the blossoms causing fruit to drop when forming. Cover with a row cover or insect netting when flowers begin to bloom. Peppers do not require insect pollination.