How to Grow Peppers: A Complete Guide

Peppers are vibrant and versatile plants that bring a splash of color to any garden. While I enjoy growing peppers, I often pass them along to friends and family because I’m sensitive to their spiciness!

Peppers thrive in warm conditions and need plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to grow peppers.

See more growing guides at the Backyard Farming Connection.

Contents

Quick Look at How to Grow Peppers


Best Time to Plant: After the last frost date in your area, when the soil has warmed up to around 70°F (21°C) or more.

Soil pH: Peppers thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter is ideal for peppers.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, providing about 1-2 inches of water per week. Be careful not to overwater to prevent root diseases.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and then side-dress with a potassium-rich fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Plant Spacing: Space pepper plants 18-24 inches apart in rows that are about 2-3 feet apart.

Common Pests: Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and pepper weevils. Use row covers, insecticidal soap, and neem oil to manage pests.

Companion Plants: Peppers grow well with basil, tomatoes, and onions. Avoid planting with fennel and beans. (see more about companion planting peppers)

Harvest Time: Depending on the variety, you can start harvesting peppers when they reach their full size and have developed their characteristic color.

Storage: Peppers are best used soon after harvest, but if you need to store them, keep them in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to a week. Avoid washing until ready to use.

Top Recommended Pepper Varieties for the Home Garden

You can find many different pepper varieties from seed. You can often find bell peppers and a few hot peppers in your local garden center as well. Decide if you want sweet, hot, or a unique color, and then choose one of the varieties below.

Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘California Wonder’): California Wonder is a classic bell pepper variety known for its large, blocky shape and crisp, sweet flavor. It starts out green and matures to red, orange, or yellow. Ideal for fresh eating, salads, or stuffing, this variety is versatile and well-suited for various culinary uses. Its robust plant structure makes it suitable for both garden beds and containers.

Jalapeño (Capsicum annuum ‘Early Jalapeño’): Early Jalapeño is a popular hot pepper variety known for its medium heat and rich, smoky flavor. The peppers are small to medium-sized, turning from green to red when fully ripe. Perfect for salsas, sauces, and pickling, this variety is compact and thrives well in both garden beds and containers.

Habanero (Capsicum chinense ‘Caribbean Red’): Caribbean Red Habanero is known for its fiery heat and fruity, citrusy flavor. These small, lantern-shaped peppers turn a vibrant red when mature and are excellent for adding intense heat to dishes. They grow on compact plants, making them a good choice for container gardening and small spaces.

Anaheim (Capsicum annuum ‘Anaheim’): Anaheim peppers are mild to medium-hot and are known for their slightly sweet flavor. They are often used in roasting, grilling, and stuffing. These long, green peppers mature to red and are well-suited for various culinary applications. Their vigorous plants are adaptable to garden beds and larger containers.

Poblano (Capsicum annuum ‘Poblano’): Poblano peppers are mild and versatile, with a rich, earthy flavor. They are typically used in Mexican cuisine for dishes like chiles rellenos. These peppers start out dark green and turn a deep brownish-red when fully ripe. Poblano plants are robust and perform well in both garden beds and containers.

Shishito (Capsicum annuum ‘Shishito’): Shishito peppers are small, slender, and typically mild, with occasional peppers delivering a surprising kick. They are great for grilling or sautéing and are often served as an appetizer. These plants are compact and produce a high yield, making them suitable for container gardening and small spaces.

Serrano (Capsicum annuum ‘Serrano’): Serrano peppers are medium-hot and have a bright, tangy flavor. They are commonly used in salsas and sauces. These peppers are typically small, cylindrical, and ripen from green to red. Serrano plants are hardy and can be grown successfully in both garden beds and containers.

See more about our favorite pepper varieties.

How to Grow Peppers

When to Plant Peppers

The ideal time to plant peppers is after the last frost date and when the soil has warmed up to around 70°F (21°C) or higher. In most regions, this is typically during late spring to early summer.

Starting pepper seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the expected transplant date can give your plants a head start. However, be careful not to move them outdoors too early, as peppers are sensitive to cold temperatures. Wait until the weather has stabilized, and both daytime and nighttime temperatures are consistently warm before transferring your pepper seedlings to the garden.

By timing your planting carefully, you’ll set the stage for a successful pepper growing season and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

How to Plant Peppers

Start by selecting a sunny location in your garden with well-draining soil. Enhance the soil by mixing in organic compost to boost fertility and improve drainage. Once your pepper seedlings have developed their first true leaves, transplant them into the garden. Space them 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart. In raised beds, you can space them a bit closer if needed.

Ensure the young pepper plants receive adequate water and are protected from any lingering cold snaps. Use mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. If you’re in a region with a short growing season, consider using black plastic mulch to raise soil temperatures and promote faster growth.

When to Plant Peppers

The ideal time to plant peppers is after the last frost date and when the soil has warmed up to around 70°F (21°C) or higher. In most regions, this is typically during late spring to early summer.

By timing your planting carefully, you’ll set the stage for a successful pepper growing season and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

How to Plant Peppers

Pepper Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are important for robust pepper growth and a plentiful harvest. Ensure consistent watering throughout the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as peppers are prone to root rot.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Provide support if needed to keep the pepper plants upright and prevent them from toppling over under the weight of the fruit.

Monitor for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and beetles. Use natural remedies like neem oil or introduce beneficial insects to manage infestations effectively.

Feed your peppers with a balanced fertilizer or add compost to the soil every few weeks to provide essential nutrients. Pruning lower leaves and suckers can enhance air circulation and light penetration, promoting better fruit development.

Harvesting and Storing Peppers

Harvesting peppers at their peak flavor and quality is the rewarding result of your gardening efforts.

To harvest peppers, wait until they have reached their mature size and color, which typically occurs 2-3 months after transplanting. Gently cut the peppers from the plant using pruning shears or a sharp knife, leaving a short stem attached. The peppers should be firm and vibrant in color.

Avoid letting peppers become overly mature, as they can develop a bitter taste and tougher skin. For the best taste and texture, use peppers promptly after harvesting. If you cannot use them immediately, store them in a cool, dry place or in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for up to one to two weeks. Peppers are sensitive to cold temperatures, so avoid storing them near items like tomatoes, which emit ethylene gas and can cause premature spoilage.

Top Tips for Growing Peppers

Choose the Right Variety: Select pepper varieties that match your climate and growing conditions, considering factors like heat tolerance and fruit type.
Optimal Timing: Plant peppers after the last frost date when the soil temperature has reached around 70°F (21°C) or higher to ensure successful germination and growth.
Sunny Spot: Choose a sunny location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal fruit production.
Well-Prepared Soil: Prepare well-draining soil by amending it with compost or aged manure to enhance fertility and drainage.
Start Indoors: Begin pepper seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date to give them a head start and ensure a longer growing season.
Proper Transplanting: When transplanting seedlings, space them 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart to allow for good airflow and growth.
Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Consistent Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Consider using a drip irrigation system if possible.
Fertilization: Provide a balanced fertilizer or compost every few weeks to supply essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruit development.
Pest Management: Regularly inspect plants for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and beetles. Use natural remedies or introduce beneficial insects to control infestations.
Supporting Stems: Stake or support pepper plants as needed to prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight of developing fruit.
Pruning: Prune lower leaves and suckers to improve air circulation and light penetration, promoting better fruit development and reducing disease risk.
Harvest Timing: Harvest peppers when they have reached their mature size and color. Use pruning shears or a knife to cut the fruit from the plant.
Proper Storage: Use harvested peppers promptly to enjoy their best taste and texture. Store them in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to one to two weeks.

Common Problems when Growing Peppers

Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot is characterized by sunken, dark lesions on the bottom of peppers, often caused by calcium deficiency and irregular watering.
Solution: Ensure consistent soil moisture and apply calcium supplements or lime. Mulch around plants to help retain moisture.

Pepper Plant Wilt

Pepper plant wilt manifests as drooping leaves and stems, which can be due to overwatering, root rot, or fungal infections.
Solution: Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Use well-draining soil and consider applying a fungicide if a fungal infection is suspected.

Sunscald

Sunscald appears as bleached or sunburned areas on the peppers, often due to excessive sun exposure, particularly after removing foliage or when plants are not acclimated to full sun.
Solution: Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day or use row covers to protect plants.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling involves the distortion and rolling of leaves, which can result from extreme temperatures, water stress, or pest infestations.
Solution: Maintain consistent watering and avoid exposing plants to extreme temperatures. Check for pests and treat accordingly.

Peppers Not Setting Fruit

When peppers fail to set fruit, it may be due to inadequate pollination, high temperatures, or nutrient imbalances.
Solution: Encourage pollinators by planting nearby flowers, maintain consistent watering, and ensure proper fertilization.

Stunted Growth

Stunted growth is characterized by slow or halted development, potentially caused by nutrient deficiencies, poor soil quality, or pests.
Solution: Use balanced fertilizer or compost to enrich the soil. Inspect for pests and treat as needed.

Fruit Drop

Fruit drop occurs when peppers fall prematurely, often due to stress from inconsistent watering, temperature extremes, or nutrient imbalances.
Solution: Maintain consistent watering, avoid exposing plants to extreme temperatures, and ensure proper fertilization.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves indicate potential overwatering, nutrient deficiencies (particularly nitrogen), or diseases.
Solution: Adjust watering practices, apply a balanced fertilizer, and check for signs of disease.

Aphid Infestation

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from pepper plants, causing deformed growth and sticky residue.
Solution: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Spider Mites

Spider mites create stippling on leaves and produce fine webbing, feeding on plant sap.
Solution: Increase humidity around plants and use miticides or insecticidal soap to manage spider mites.

Pepper Rot

Pepper rot is caused by fungal infections like Phytophthora capsici, leading to soft, rotten areas on peppers.
Solution: Improve soil drainage, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if necessary.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew presents as a white, powdery coating on leaves, indicating a fungal infection.
Solution: Improve air circulation around plants, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides to treat the infection.

Mosaic Virus

Mosaic virus causes mottled or mosaic-like patterns on leaves, affecting plant growth.
Solution: Remove and destroy infected plants. Avoid using infected seeds or seedlings.

Unripe Fruit

Unripe fruit remains green or underdeveloped, often due to premature harvesting or insufficient sunlight.
Solution: Allow peppers to mature fully on the plant and ensure they receive adequate sunlight.

Cracking

Cracking involves splits or fissures in the fruit, usually due to fluctuations in soil moisture or rapid growth.
Solution: Maintain consistent watering and avoid sudden changes in growing conditions.