Pepper

Peppers need warm, well-drained soil with compost and a pH of 6.0-6.8. Use moderate fertilizer rather than heavy nitrogen feeding, and maintain even moisture to support fruit set and reduce blossom-end rot.

Sun

Full sun

Water

1 in/week

Spacing

18 in

First harvest

60–90 days

Tips

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting, using 80-85°F soil for germination.
• Transplant at the original growing depth once nights stay above 55°F and soil has warmed.
• Water deeply for about 1 inch weekly and mulch after the soil warms.
• Stake heavily loaded plants and inspect leaf undersides for aphids.
• Harvest firm, full-sized green peppers or wait for the variety's mature color, cutting rather than pulling fruit.

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