How to Grow Peppers {Start to Finish}

I just planted a flat of pepper seeds under grow lights this morning. I’m so excited!  My goal is to grow enough peppers for canning homemade salsa.

This year I am growing

• Ancho/Pablano Chili Peppers
• Italian Marconi Golden Peppers
• Sweet Cherry Blend

Brief description:  Hot Peppers are typically used to add a little “heat” to a variety of dishes.  They can be stuffed or used in sauces and salsas.  Their flavor ranges from mild to hot, depending on the variety you choose to grow {the seeds inside the fruit are typically where most of the heat resides}.

Where to Plant Hot Peppers:   Plant in a sunny spot, in a container, raised or garden bed.

Planting Seeds:  Plant seeds 1/4″ deep.  When transplanting, plant seedlings about 2 ft. apart.  Peppers, like tomatoes, are very cold sensitive, so if starting indoors, make sure they have a nice warm place to grow.  Avoid transplanting outside until temperature is at least 65 degrees.

Growing Tips:  Don’t over fertilize peppers, it will cause them to get more leaves at the expense of the fruit.  Also, don’t allow them to go through any sort of drought–they are not very tolerant of abuse.  Most peppers will require some sort of support.  Cages work great.

How to Harvest:  To harvest, cut pepper off at the stem.  Wear your garden gloves when you harvest these guys, a broken pepper can cause absolute warfare if you unknowingly touch them and then your face!

Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.

Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!

~Mavis

Here is one of my Favorite Hot Pepper recipes:

Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

LKFLKU {Little Known Fact, Little Known Use}:  Hot Peppers actually make foods safer.  They naturally reduce harmful bacteria on foods.