What to know
Red peppers , a vibrant and versatile extremity of the nightshade sept , are a basic in many culinary traditions worldwide . Growing your own red peppercorn plants from seedlings can be a rewarding experience , provide you with fresh , homegrown produce . Thiscomprehensive guidewill take the air you through the footstep - by - step process of how to plant violent pepper seedling , ensuring a successful and bountiful harvest home .
Choosing the Right Seedlings
The cay to achiever starts with pick out healthy seedling . Look for plants that are stocky , withdark green leavesand no signs of disease or damage . prefer seedling that are at least six weeks sometime for optimum growth .
Preparing the Soil
Red peppers thrive in well - drain , fat grunge . Prepare yourgarden bedby tilling inorganic mattersuch as compost or manure . The soil should have apH levelbetween 6.0 and 6.8 .
Hardening Off the Seedlings
Before transplanting the seedlings into the garden , it ’s crucial to inure them off . Thisprocess gradually exposesthe plant tooutdoor consideration , reduce stress and improving their allowance to the elements . Start by place the seedlings in ashaded areafor a few hours each day . step by step increase their picture to sun and lift over the course of a week or two .
Planting Time
The ideal time toplant red pepper seedlingsis when the grunge temperature reaches 65 ° F ( 18 ° cytosine ) and the conditions isconsistently strong . In most regions , this is around mid - May to early June .
Spacing and Depth
Plant the seedling 18 - 24 inch ( 45 - 60 cm ) aside in rows that are 36 - 48 inches ( 90 - 120 cm ) apart . get the picture a hole deeply enough to hold theroot ball , butavoid buryingthe root . mildly firm the soil around the base of the plant life .
Watering
Water theseedlings deeplyafter planting . Continue to water on a regular basis , especially during hot , juiceless weather condition . annul overwatering , as this can lead to root rot .
Fertilizing
Fertilize the plant every 2 - 3 weeks with abalanced fertilizer . Use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content during the former stages of growth to push leafy development . As theplants mature , switch to a fertilizer with ahigher phosphorusand potassium substance to encourage yield production .
Mulching
Mulching around theplants help retain moisture , suppress weeds , and baffle soil temperature . Useorganic materialssuch as straw , hay , or compost .
Support and Trellising
Red capsicum plants can acquire quite grandiloquent and may need reinforcement to prevent them from falling over . Install stake or treillage toprovide supportfor the plants and keep the fruit off the ground .
Pest and Disease Control
Red white pepper are susceptible to various pests and diseases . Monitor yourplants regularlyfor signs of plague or infection . Use organic pest control methods whenever possible , such asinsecticidal soapor neem rock oil .
Harvesting
Red pepper are quick to harvest when they reach their full color and size . skip the white pepper from the plant life using asharp knifeor scissor hold . Handle thepeppers carefullyto avoid bruising .
Tips for Success
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q : Can Igrow scarlet peppersin containers?A : Yes , red pepperscan be grown in containers . prefer a container that is at least 12 in ( 30 atomic number 96 ) in diameter and has drain holes . Q : How long does it take togrow red peppersfrom seedlings?A : From seedling to reap , red peppers typicallytake 60 - 90 twenty-four hour period to maturate . Q : What arecommon pestsand disease that affect red peppers?A : Common pests let in aphids , thripid , andspider mites . Common disease let in heyday end rot , powdery mildew , and verticillium wilt .
