How to Plant Hot Peppers

Evidence of chilies have been found in ruins dating to 7000 B.C. Hot peppers have become a staple in kitchens around the world. Peppers are a tropical plant that like hot temperatures. Many growers treat peppers the same way they treat tomatoes, however, the growing requirements for peppers are different. Peppers require warmer weather and do not tolerate cold weather. Weather must be a constant 60 degrees F, and soil temperatures should be 65 degrees F, or warmer. Peppers also like soil that's rich in magnesium. The Scoville scale is used to measure the heat of peppers. Use the Scoville scale when choosing what variety of hot pepper to grow.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seed-starter mix
• Pots
• Gloves
• Garden spade
• Germination mat or supplemental heat source

1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. If using transplants, skip to Step 2. Soak the seeds in water 24 hours before planting. Do not let the seeds dry out. Fill your containers with seed-starter mix (potting soil is too heavy). Wear gloves when handling seeds, and plant one seed in each container. Lightly cover the seed with soil. Place the planted seeds on a germination mat, or set on a heat source, such as the top of a water heater or refrigerator. The seeds will germinate in 16 to 20 days. Light is not required for germination. Once sprouts appear, light is needed. Continue using a heat source or germination mat under the pots.

2. Transplant your peppers outdoors when plants have at least four leaves. Harden off seedlings before transplanting. Purchased transplants do not need to be hardened off. Plant peppers in a sunny location when temperatures are a minimum of 60 degrees F. Plant the peppers 18 inches apart in rows that are 2 feet apart. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball with a garden spade. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole. Gently cover the roots. Do not cover the stem with excessive soil, only enough for the plants to stand securely. Water well immediately after planting. Apply liquid fertilizer occasionally. Do not use a nitrogen fertilizer; instead, use one with magnesium. Keep soil on the dry side for bushy, compact plants. Pepper plants do not require pinching, but if stray shoots appear pinch them off.

3. Keep your peppers weed free. Gently cultivate the surface around peppers. Do not cultivate deeply, or you will damage the roots. Repeat the process as weeds appear. Pepper must always have full sun.

4. Harvest peppers by snapping brittle stems or cutting them with a sharp knife. Peppers should bear fruit all summer. Do not twist peppers when removing. This will cause the stem to splinter, leaving the plant susceptible to disease. Wear gloves and do not put your hands around your mouth, nose or eyes.

5. Harvest the last pepper of the season before the last frost. Store in cool, dry and dark place. Peppers will keep well for three months, or more. Dry peppers using a dehydrator, then store in an air-tight container, or string the peppers. Leave space between peppers to allow air to circulate for even drying. Do not dry in direct sunlight, or the color will fade.

Tips & Warnings

• Shake hot chili pepper powder from habanero or cayenne peppers onto bird seed to deter squirrels. Birds and fish are immune to the capsaicin that makes peppers hot.
• Always wear gloves when handling hot pepper seeds, plants and fruits.

References

• Gardening with Heirloom Seeds; Coulter L.; 2006
• Pepper Information