We have enjoyed growing peppers (capsicums) at home for years. They are not hard to grow and require the same growing requirements as tomatoes which are also members of the nightshade family. They require a long, warm growing season and do best when grown in a greenhouse, a protected area of the garden or in pots on a south facing patio.
Peppers can be started from seed or be purchased as bedding plants. The advantage to starting them from seed is that there is a much larger assortment of seed varieties then bedding plants. Peppers come in varying sizes, colours, shapes, tastes and heats. From the popular big bell varieties, to the sweet banana types, to the hot 'Jalapeno', and 'Habranero' types. There is a pepper variety for every taste.
Pepper plants require a long growing season so seeds need to be started early, just like tomatoes. Start seeds in late February or early March. The seeds are already available in the garden centre, along with all the trays, inserts, domes, starter mix, and equipment needed to start your seeds. We like to use a tray that has an insert placed in the tray and filled with a moistened starter mix and then have a clear plastic dome placed on top. Sow the seeds following the seed starting instructions given on the packet. For best germination rates the soil should be kept warm (23-28 Celsius) by placing a heat mat under the tray. Heat mats are available at garden centres and will keep the soil at a consistent temperature. When the seeds have germinated the plastic dome is removed from the tray. Keep the starter mix moist by placing water in the bottom of the tray rather then watering on top as this will help prevent 'damp off' a disease that will kill young plants. Light is very important in growing strong, stocky plants. Place an adjustable grow light on top of the young seedlings and move it higher as the plants get taller. Fertilize young plants with a water soluble, plant start fertilizer 10-52-10 specifically formulated for seedlings. When the young seedlings have their first set of 'true' leaves they are ready to be transplanted into 4 inch, individual pots using a good quality potting soil. Change the fertilizer to an all purpose water soluble 20-20-20 and continue to fertilize weekly.
Peppers can be grown outdoors after all threat of frost has passed as they are not frost tolerant, and the soil temperature should be 17 Celsius or higher. Before placing plants outdoors they need to be hardened off first, by placing them outside during the day and bringing them at night. This is done for 7-10 days until the plants have become acclimatized. At home we grow the peppers in the greenhouse. The peppers are placed in a large 30 cm by 30cm pot and then staked to prevent the branches from breaking when they become heavy with fruit. If you don't have a greenhouse place the pots on a south facing wall. To get the pepper plants to set fruit change the fertilizer to 12-36-12 which will help promote flowers and fruit. Peppers will do best in a moist soil, which means checking the soil daily.
Check the pepper plants regularly as they are prone to aphids. Using an insecticidal soap routinely will help, and removing the aphids as soon as they are appear will stop them from affecting the entire plant. Peppers can be harvested by snipping them off with scissors or pruners when they feel firm, and have reached the desired size. They can also be left on the plant till they change colour which raises the amount of vitamin C and makes them sweeter. Leaving them on the plant however, will decrease the amount of fruit the plant produces, so you may have to plant a few more plants!
