How to Plant Bolivian Rainbow
The Bolivian Rainbow, a member of the Capsicum genus, is a chili pepper variety that packs a lot of heat. The pepper is just as vibrant as it is hot -- starting as purple pods that turn to creamy yellow and then orange before finally maturing and turning bright red. Considered an ornamental annual, the Bolivian Rainbow also finds its way into culinary dishes when the recipe calls for color with some kick. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Soil testing kit
- Pitchfork
- Lime or peat moss
- Garden hose or soaker hose
- Fertilizer
Instructions
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Test the soil pH with a soil testing kit after choosing a location with well-drained soil and at least six to eight hours of full sun. Healthy Bolivian Rainbows thrive in soil with a pH between 4.3 and 8.7.
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2
Turn over the soil with a pitchfork, creating a fine-planting material 6 inches deep. If the soil doesn't meet the Bolivian Rainbow's specs, this is the time to amend. Lime will raise a pH below 4.3 and peat moss will reduce a pH above 8.7. Which one you choose depends on the results of the test. The application instructions and allocation amounts will be printed on the label of the required amendment.
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Plant Bolivian Rainbow seedlings in the center of holes that measure the same diameter as their root balls. All foliage should be above the soil line, with plants spaced 18 inches apart. Use your hands to pat down the soil around the main stems of the Bolivian Rainbow plants to remove trapped air.
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Supply the Bolivian Rainbow seedlings with a deep watering immediately after planting. Maintain damp soil to a depth of 1 inch at all times as the chili peppers grow. This is accomplished with supplemental waterings from a garden hose or soaker when rain is minimal.
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Side-dress the chili peppers with a nitrogen fertilizer three to four weeks after planting. Well-amended soil does not require immediate fertilizing at the time of planting. Follow the fertilizer's package directions for application details.
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Tips & Warnings
If you notice weeds popping up around the Bolivian Rainbow, spread a layer of mulch around them. A 3- to 4-inch layer of bark chips will suppress the weeds and improve drainage.
Check the soil moisture before each supplemental watering. Bolivian Rainbow plants do not like wet feet and may succumb to such conditions. Press your fingers 1 inch into the soil. If it feels moist, the rain did its job and no watering is necessary.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
