Peppers, while classified as fruits, are typically utilized as vegetables when cooking. They are a staple ingredient in different recipes across the globe, with variants such as bell peppers, jalapeños, poblano peppers, and many more. All peppers can range from spicy to sweet.

Learning how to grow peppers from seeds might seem challenging, but it becomes much easier once you learn how to properly plant, grow, and care for these items. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow peppers in your garden:

 

1. Seed Plantation

Select a pepper variety that will thrive in your geographical location and climate. Begin the planting process indoors, approximately 8 to 12 weeks prior to the last frost date anticipated.

 

2. Container Size Selection

When opting for container gardening, ensure the container size complements the chosen pepper variety. Typically, containers with a capacity of 3 to 5 gallons are suitable.

 

3. Indoor Lighting

Arrange for a lot of indoor lighting to sustain the pepper’s growth. Utilize LED lights or position the containers by a window that receives ample sunlight.

 

4. Fertilization

Fertilization is key to a flourishing garden. While certain mixes come pre-fortified with nutrients, incorporating organic, water-soluble fertilizers can significantly enhance the growth of your peppers.

 

5. Outdoor Transition

As the weather starts to warm up, consider moving your pepper plant outside. Warm temperatures between 70- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit and moderately humid environments (with humidity between 40% and 50%) are great for peppers. If the weather is consistently above 55 degrees, you can leave your plants outside.

 

7. Regular Watering

Upon outdoor transition, ensure consistent watering of your plants. Attention to pest control along with providing nutrients as needed, will contribute to a healthy growth cycle and provide you and your family with beautiful peppers.

 

8. Harvesting

Once it is time to harvest your peppers, use a sharp knife or pruners. Pulling peppers away from the plant can cause branches to break or tear and leave the plant vulnerable to disease. Leave some of the stem attached to the pepper when cutting it. A good pepper harvest practice is to harvest some peppers to serve green and let others mature to red or full color on the vine. This will give you a mix of flavor, heat, and nutrition.

 

9. How to Use Your Peppers

Now that gardening season is coming to a close, it is time to put your hard work to use. In the winter, a great way to utilize your peppers are to make roasted red pepper soup, stuffed peppers, salsa, and sauces. If you are not ready to create a recipe using your peppers just yet, you can freeze them to use at a later time!

 

Now that you know how to grow peppers from seeds, visit Bentley Seed Co today to stock up on seed packets to begin your gardening journey!