Planting
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Timing: After all danger of frost has passed and seedlings are 8–10 weeks old.
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Hardening Off: Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.
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Spacing: 18–24 inches apart, with 24–36 inches between rows.
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Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with pH 6.0–6.8.
Planting Care
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Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily).
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Water: Consistent moisture; 1–2 inches per week. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent disease.
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Mulch: Helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
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Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer at planting, then side-dress with compost or low-nitrogen fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
Supporting Plants
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Some varieties benefit from staking or cages to prevent stems from breaking under the weight of fruit.
Pest & Disease Management
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Common pests: aphids, flea beetles, spider mites, pepper maggots.
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Diseases: bacterial leaf spot, blossom end rot (calcium deficiency), fungal infections.
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Prevention: Rotate crops, avoid overhead watering, and use disease-resistant varieties.
Harvesting
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Maturity: Bell peppers can be harvested green or left to ripen red, yellow, orange, or purple depending on variety.
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Method: Cut fruit with a sharp knife or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
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Timing: Frequent harvesting encourages more fruit production.
Tips for Success
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Warmer soil = faster growth; consider black plastic mulch or row covers early in the season.
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Avoid excessive nitrogen—this promotes leaf growth but reduces fruiting.
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Peppers are sensitive to cold; protect young plants if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).