I got my order today. I can wait to start planting them.
All Bulk Seed
A standard sweet pepper for your garden! Nicely sized and versatile for cooking, freezing or fresh use. Can be harvested at the green stage or wait a few weeks for them to turn colors! All colors are delish!
Start inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2 inch pots. After frost has passed, transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched. Harvest: 2.5 months
SEED INFORMATION:
- Lifecycle: Annual
- Time to Maturity: 2.5 months
- Sun Requirement: full sun
- Spacing: 12"
- Depth: 1/4"
-
Uses: Add color and flavor to
salads with this variety
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Named for the mountains in Mexico from which they hail, these hot little Serrano Peppers pack a fiery heat. Ranging in color from green to yellows, oranges, and reds, they are hotter and smaller than their cousin, the jalapeño. Use them to add a spicy bite to salsas, dips, pickles, or chili oils—remove the inner ribs and seeds for less heat.
Hotness measures between 10,000 and 25,000 Scoville units.
Start Seranno seeds inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2" pots. After frost has passed transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched.
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: annual (vegetable)
- Time to Maturity: about 3 months
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Spacing: 12" apart
- Depth: 1/4"
- Seeds/Oz: 5000
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 80F
- Sowing Method: Transplant
- Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum
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A great option for gardeners that love variety. A spicy blend of garden favorites.
Start hot salsa pepper seeds inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2 inch pots. After frost has passed, transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched. Harvest: 3 months
BULK PEPPER SEED INFORMATION:
- Lifecycle: Annual
- Time to Maturity: 3 months
- Sun Requirement: full sun
- Spacing: 12"
- Depth: 1/4"
- Uses: Great pepper for salsa and salads
- Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
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A popular mild chili named for Anaheim, California, perfect for cooking mild Chile Rellenos
Start Anaheim Chili Pepper seeds inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2" pots. After frost has passed transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched. Grows to 6-10 inches in length. Generally harvested when green but can also be left on the plant until they turn red. Anaheim Chili Pepper have thick walls making it ideal for cooking, roasting, smoking, canning, drying or frying. Measures 500-2,500 Scoville Heat Units.
BULK ANAHEIM CHILI SEED INFORMATION:
- Lifecycle: annual (vegetable)
- Sowing Method: Transplant
- Time to Maturity: about 2 1/2 months
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 80F°
- Spacing: 12-24" apart
- Depth: 1/4"
- Height: 2-3'
- Seeds/Oz: 4,300
- Lbs/Acre:
- Uses: Roasting, Cooking and Canning
- Heirloom Year: 1913 Heirloom
- Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
A standard sweet bell pepper for your garden! Nicely sized and versatile for cooking, freezing or fresh. Can be harvested at the green stage or wait a few weeks for them to turn red! Both colors are delish!
Start inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2" pots. After frost has passed transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched.
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: annual (vegetable)
- Time to Maturity: about 2 1/2 months
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Spacing: 12" apart
- Depth: 1/4 inch
- Seeds/Oz: 5000
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 80F
- Sowing Method: Transplant
- Heirloom Year: 1928 Heirloom
- Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum
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This little beauty is a perfect choice to add a little spice to your life. Easy to grow and harvest.
Start inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2 inch pots. After frost has passed, transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched. Harvest: 3 months
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: Annual
- Time to Maturity: 3 months
- Sun Requirement: full sun
- Spacing: 12"
- Depth: 1/4"
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 80F
- Uses: Great pepper for salsa or seasoning
- Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum chinense Jacquin
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All of the awesome flavor of Jalapeno with the added boost of producing in slightly cooler temperatures. A wonderful medium heat to add a boost any dish!
Start inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2" pots. After frost has passed transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched.
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: annual (vegetable)
- Time to Maturity: about 3 months
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Spacing: 12" apart
- Depth: 1/4"
- Seeds/Oz: 5000
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 80F
- Sowing Method: Transplant
-
Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum
- Seed Count: Approx 74 seeds per 400mg
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All of the awesome flavor of Jalapeno with the added boost of producing in slightly cooler temperatures. A wonderful medium heat to add a boost any dish!
Start jalapeno pepper seeds inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2" pots. After frost has passed transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched.
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: annual (vegetable)
- Time to Maturity: about 3 months
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Spacing: 12" apart
- Depth: 1/4"
- Seeds/Oz: 5000
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 80F
- Sowing Method: Transplant
- Heirloom Year: Heirloom
- Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum
-
Jalapeno Bulk Seed Count: Approx 74 seeds per 400mg
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Looking to put a little zip in your step? Look no further than these little guys! Small thin and prolific on the plant, these little zingers pack some heat! Great for drying or eating fresh! The longer they are on the plant the hotter they get!
Start cayenne seeds inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2" pots. After frost has passed transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched.
BULK CAYENNE SEED INFORMATION:
- Lifecycle: annual (vegetable)
- Time to Maturity: about 2 1/2 months
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Spacing: 12" apart
- Depth: 1/4"
- Cayenne Seeds/Oz: 5000
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 80F
- Sowing Method: Transplant
- Heirloom Year: 1883 Heirloom
- Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum
No need for a fire extinguisher! Although this falls into the “hot” category, this popular pepper won’t have a you running for the water fountain!
Start inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2 inch pots. After frost has passed, transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched. Harvest: 3 months
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: Annual
- Time to Maturity: 3 months
- Sun Requirement: full sun
- Spacing: 12"
- Depth: 1/4"
- Uses: Great pepper for salsa
- Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
- Seed Count: Approx. 74 seeds per 400mg
*Online resale prohibited
All of the awesome flavor of Jalapeno with the added boost of producing in slightly cooler temperatures. A wonderful medium heat to add a boost any dish!
Start inside about 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When first set of true leaves appear transplant to 2" pots. After frost has passed transplant outside in either garden bed or larger containers. Peppers like to be warm so be sure to keep roots mulched.
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: annual (vegetable)
- Time to Maturity: about 3 months
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Spacing: 12" apart
- Depth: 1/4"
- Seeds/Oz: 5000
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 80F
- Sowing Method: Transplant
-
Plant Scientific Name: Capsicum
- Seed Count: Approx. 74 seeds per 400mg
*Online resale prohibited
NOW shipping 2025 packets! NEW for 2025 - MSRP now removed.
The Monarch Butterfly is on the brink of extinction, partially due to the lack of Milkweed plants—the only food monarch caterpillars eat. Use this eco-friendly seed packet to spread the word and help create natural monarch habitats along their migration routes!
Our packet has a natural kraft-look and simple etched design of a butterfly enjoying a milkweed plant. Use as a favor at an event or as a conscientious promotion for your business!
Send an eco-friendly greeting by using this packet in one of our Seed Packet Greeting Cards! Use the space provided on the back of the packet to write your own personalized message, or even place a label sticker with your preprinted logo and contact info on it!
Milkweed Mix Contents:
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp), Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly), Asclepias speciosa (Showy). These are NOT tropical.
Plant these seeds to help keep essential butterfly habitats from disappearing
Milkweed Mix Planting Directions: You can start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost in your area or direct sow after frost danger is past. The seed in this packet has been pre-soaked and are ready to be planted right away. Keep soil damp until seedlings emerge and then water as necessary. Seedlings should emerge in 10 days to 3 weeks. Full sun is best.
Direct sow planting: Cold stratify for 30 days. Sow in late fall or spring.
Indoor Sowing: Cold stratify for 30 days. Start 7-9 weeks before last frost. Transplant into 4” pots after 3-5 weeks. Harden off and transplant to well-drained soil.
Learn more about the importance of growing milkweed here.
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: perennial
- Sun Requirement: sun/part shade
- Spacing: 8" apart
- Seed Planting Depth: 1/4 "
- Bloom Season: spring to fall
- Height: 36 "
- Uses: borders, containers, garden beds
- Low Maintenance : yes
- 25-30 Seeds Per Packet
- Uses: Beds, Container
- Sowing Method: Early indoors or Direct Sow
- Seed Count: Approximately 35 seeds per packet
Asclepias plants and sap may cause skin irritation in humans and animals. Do not ingest seed or plants.
Not Recommended for Southern California
Packet size: 3 ¼" x 4 ½"
Here at Bentley Seed, we only fill our seed packets with the freshest crop NON-GMO seed in our 3rd generation family-owned small business in upstate NY! Our packets are hand-picked for you!
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Pack of 25 individual packets. The Earth Laughs in Flowers - Wildflower Mix Seed Packet Cards
Named for the famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson reminding us of the richness and splendor of the natural world, especially found in the beauty of flowers. Bringing both loveliness and essential pollinator nutrients to your garden, our exclusive The Earth Laughs in Flowers Pollinator Wildflower Mix packets are a lovely giveaway at any Earth Day event or as a treat for your students, colleagues, and customers this spring.
Use the space provided on the back of the packet to write your own personalized message.
This wildflower mix provides nectar and pollen to honey bees, wild bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Earth Day is April 22, 2024.
This packet will cover approximately 10 square feet of space.
Pollinator Mix Wildflower Planting Directions -
Prepare a bed of loose soil. Sprinkle seeds in prepared area and cover loosely with soil. Keep the area moist until the plants are about 6" tall. It really is that easy!
SEED INFORMATION:
Lifecycle: annual/perennial mix
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Depth: 0.25"
Bloom Season: early summer to fall
Height: varies
Uses: Bee Feed, Butterfly Feed, Pollinator Garden
Low Maintenance : yes
Packet Weight: 400 mg
Seeds Per Packet: 210-220
Packet size: 3 ¼" x 4 ½"
Named for the famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson reminding us of the richness and splendor of the natural world, especially found in the beauty of flowers. Bringing both loveliness and essential pollinator nutrients to your garden, our exclusive The Earth Laughs in Flowers Pollinator Wildflower Mix packets are a lovely giveaway at any Earth Day event or as a treat for your students, colleagues, and customers this spring.
Use the space provided on the back of the packet to write your own personalized message.
This wildflower mix provides nectar and pollen to honey bees, wild bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Earth Day is April 22, 2024.
This packet will cover approximately 10 square feet of space.
Pollinator Mix Wildflower Planting Directions -
Prepare a bed of loose soil. Sprinkle seeds in prepared area and cover loosely with soil. Keep the area moist until the plants are about 6" tall. It really is that easy!
SEED INFORMATION:
Lifecycle: annual/perennial mix
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Depth: 0.25"
Bloom Season: early summer to fall
Height: varies
Uses: Bee Feed, Butterfly Feed, Pollinator Garden
Low Maintenance : yes
Packet Weight: 400 mg
Seeds Per Packet: 210-220
Packet size: 3 ¼" x 4 ½"
Earth Day Promotion Seed Packet Card with Butterfly Art and Pollinator Mix Wildflower Seeds
Give back to nature this Earth Day with this gorgeous mix! It provides nectar and pollen to honey bees, wild bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Earth Day is April 22!
Our pollinator mix Earth Day promotion card has a beautiful floral and butterfly design. This packet would be a thoughtful favor for the eco-conscious host!
Send an eco-friendly greeting by using this packet in one of our Seed Packet Greeting Cards!
Grow Good Things with our Pollinator Mix packet has a whimsical watercolor-style floral and butterfly art. This sweet, illustrated, kraft-look packet would be a thoughtful favor for the eco-conscious host!
Use the space provided on the back of the packet to write your own personalized message.
This wildflower mix provides nectar and pollen to honey bees, wild bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
This packet will cover approximately 10 square feet of space.
Pollinator Mix Wildflower Planting Directions -
Prepare a bed of loose soil. Sprinkle seeds in prepared area and cover loosely with soil. Keep the area moist until the plants are about 6" tall. It really is that easy!
SEED INFORMATION:
- Lifecycle: annual/perennial mix
-
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
- Depth: 0.25"
- Bloom Season: early summer to fall
- Height: varies
- Uses: Bee Feed, Butterfly Feed, Pollinator Garden
- Low Maintenance : yes
- Packet Weight: 400 mg
- Seeds Per Packet: 210-220
Packet size: 3 ¼" x 4 ½"
Varieties Included: Painted Daisy, Rocket 'Imperial Mix' Larkspur, Single Mix China Aster, Dwarf Mixed Cosmos, Lance Leaved Coreopsis, Sulphur 'Bright Lights Mix' Cosmos, Purple Coneflower, Blanketflower, 'Alaska' Shasta Daisy, Sweet William Pinks, Bishop's Flower, Clarkia, Gloriosa Daisy, Mexican Hat, Plains Coreopsis.
Scientific Names: Chrysanthemum carinatum, Mixed Delphinium consolida, Callistephus chinensis, Dwarf Mixed Cosmos bipinnatus, Coreopsis lanceolata, Cosmos sulphureus 'Bright Lights Mix', Echinacea purpurea, Gaillardia aristata, Chrysanthemum maximum 'Alaska', Dianthus barbatus, Ammi majus, Clarkia unguiculata, Rudbeckia hirta gloriosa Ratibida columnifera (Mexican Hat), Coreopsis tinctoria
Here at Bentley Seed, we only fill our seed packets with the freshest crop NON-GMO seed in our 3rd generation family-owned small business in upstate NY! Our packets are hand-picked for you!
*Online resale prohibited
NOW shipping 2025 packets! NEW for 2025 - MSRP now removed.
Our vibrant 70s-inspired Earth Day packets are the ideal favors to celebrate Earth Day events or to create awareness with clients, customers, co-workers, teachers, students, friends and family.
Design includes an illustration of the earth, a monarch butterfly, and a peace sign on natural kraft paper style art. Each packet grows big glorious sunflowers that are a joy to have in your garden and an important flower offering rich nectar, seeds and shelter to all the bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators!
Earth Day is April 22.
Mammoth Sunflower Planting Directions -
Press seeds 1/2 inch deep into loose soil. Water. Sit back and enjoy!
Seed Information:
- Lifecycle: annual
- Time to Maturity: 75-90 days
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Spacing: 24" apart
- Depth: 1/2"
- Bloom Season: mid to late summer
- Height: 9' - 12'
- Uses: Cut flowers, edible seed, great for children and chickens
- Low Maintenance : yes
- Seeds/Oz: 190
- Seeds Per Packet: 20-30
- Sowing Method: Direct
- Scientific Name: Helianthus
Packet size: 3 ¼" x 4 ½"
*Online resale prohibited
NOW shipping 2025 packets! NEW for 2025 - MSRP now removed.
The Earth Laughs in Flowers - Wildflower Mix Seed Packet Cards. Named for the famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson reminding us of the richness and splendor of the natural world, especially found in the beauty of flowers.
Bringing both loveliness and essential pollinator nutrients to your garden, our exclusive The Earth Laughs in Flowers Pollinator Wildflower Mix packets are a lovely giveaway at any Earth Day event or as a treat for your students, colleagues, and customers this spring.
Use the space provided on the back of the packet to write your own personalized message.
This wildflower mix provides nectar and pollen to honey bees, wild bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Earth Day is April 22.
This packet will cover approximately 10 square feet of space.
Pollinator Mix Wildflower Planting Directions -
Prepare a bed of loose soil. Sprinkle seeds in prepared area and cover loosely with soil. Keep the area moist until the plants are about 6" tall. It really is that easy!
SEED INFORMATION:
- Lifecycle: annual/perennial mix
-
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
- Depth: 0.25"
- Bloom Season: early summer to fall
- Height: varies
- Uses: Bee Feed, Butterfly Feed, Pollinator Garden
- Low Maintenance : yes
- Packet Weight: 400 mg
- Seeds Per Packet: 210-220
Packet size: 3 ¼" x 4 ½"
Varieties Included: Painted Daisy, Rocket 'Imperial Mix' Larkspur, Single Mix China Aster, Dwarf Mixed Cosmos, Lance Leaved Coreopsis, Sulphur 'Bright Lights Mix' Cosmos, Purple Coneflower, Blanketflower, 'Alaska' Shasta Daisy, Sweet William Pinks, Bishop's Flower, Clarkia, Gloriosa Daisy, Mexican Hat, Plains Coreopsis.
Scientific Names: Chrysanthemum carinatum, Mixed Delphinium consolida, Callistephus chinensis, Dwarf Mixed Cosmos bipinnatus, Coreopsis lanceolata, Cosmos sulphureus 'Bright Lights Mix', Echinacea purpurea, Gaillardia aristata, Chrysanthemum maximum 'Alaska', Dianthus barbatus, Ammi majus, Clarkia unguiculata, Rudbeckia hirta gloriosa Ratibida columnifera (Mexican Hat), Coreopsis tinctoria
Here at Bentley Seed, we only fill our seed packets with the freshest crop NON-GMO seed in our 3rd generation family-owned small business in upstate NY! Our packets are hand-picked for you!
*Online resale prohibited
NOW shipping 2025 packets! NEW for 2025 - MSRP now removed.
A lovely way to remind people that Earth Day should be every day! With butterflies and wildflowers, these sweet packets are just right for handing out as Earth Day event favors.
Great for gifting to clients, customers, co-workers, teachers, students, friends and family. Design features wildflowers, a butterfly, a hummingbird, and a bee in a recycled look. When planted, the beautiful mix of flower seeds will grow into a garden of beauty that also feeds, nurtures and shelters all the bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators!
Earth Day is April 22.
This packet will cover approximately 10 square feet of space.
Packet size: 3 ¼" x 4 ½"
Pollinator Mix Wildflower Planting Directions:
Prepare a bed of loose soil. Sprinkle seeds in prepared area and cover loosely with soil. Keep the area moist until the plants are about 6” tall. It really is that easy!
SEED INFORMATION:
- Lifecycle: annual/perennial mix
- Sun Requirement: sun
- Packet Weight: 400 mg
-
Bloom Season: summer to fall
- Height: varies
- Uses: cut flowers
- Low Maintenance : yes
- Seeds per packet: 140-150
Varieties Included: Tall Mixed Centaurea, Pacific Beauty Calendula, Annual Baby's Breath, Perennial Lupine, Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower, Sensation Mix Cosmos, California Giants Mix Zinnia, Sulphur Bright Lights Mix Cosmos, Blue Flax, Clarkia, Rocket Imperial Mix Larkspur, African Daisy, Mixed Annual Phlox, Tall Spurred Northern Lights Snapdragon, Plains Coreopsis, and Black-Eyed Susan.
Scientific Names: Centaurea cyanus, Tall Mixed Calendula officinalis 'Pacific Beauty' Gypsophila elegans Lupinus perennis Helianthus annuus 'Sunspot' Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Mix' Zinnia elegans 'California Giants Mix' Cosmos sulphureus 'Bright Lights Mix' Linum perenne Clarkia unguiculata Delphinium consolida, Mixed Dimorphotheca sinuata Phlox drummondii, Mixed Linaria maroccana 'Northern Lights' Coreopsis tinctoria Rudbeckia hirta
*Online resale prohibited
NOW shipping 2025 packets! NEW for 2025 - MSRP now removed.
Our most popular Earth Day design is back! These vibrant packets will grow a colorful garden sure to delight the pollinators all around you.
The perfect favor for handing out at Earth Day events, for passing out to students, as a thank-you to clients, customers, co-workers, teachers, students, friends and family. Design features an illustrated planet earth with flowers, bees, and butterflies on ocean blue. Filled with a gorgeous mix of pollinator-nurturing flower seeds, they are easy to plant and easy to grow!
Earth Day is April 22.
Use the space provided on the back of the packet to write your own personalized message, or even place a label sticker with your preprinted logo and contact info on it!
This wildflower mix provides nectar and pollen to honey bees, wild bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
This packet will cover approximately 10 square feet of space.
Pollinator Mix Wildflower Planting Directions -
Prepare a bed of loose soil. Sprinkle seeds in prepared area and cover loosely with soil. Keep the area moist until the plants are about 6" tall. It really is that easy!
SEED INFORMATION:
- Lifecycle: annual/perennial mix
-
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
- Depth: 0.25"
- Bloom Season: early summer to fall
- Height: varies
- Uses: Bee Feed, Butterfly Feed, Pollinator Garden, Wildflower garden, border garden
- Low Maintenance: yes
- Packet Weight: 400 mg
- Seeds Per Packet: 210-220
Packet size: 3 ¼" x 4 ½"
Varieties Included: Painted Daisy, Rocket 'Imperial Mix' Larkspur, Single Mix China Aster, Dwarf Mixed Cosmos, Lance Leaved Coreopsis, Sulphur 'Bright Lights Mix' Cosmos, Purple Coneflower, Blanketflower, 'Alaska' Shasta Daisy, Sweet William Pinks, Bishop's Flower, Clarkia, Gloriosa Daisy, Mexican Hat, Plains Coreopsis.
Scientific Names: Chrysanthemum carinatum, Mixed Delphinium consolida, Callistephus chinensis, Dwarf Mixed Cosmos bipinnatus, Coreopsis lanceolata, Cosmos sulphureus 'Bright Lights Mix', Echinacea purpurea, Gaillardia aristata, Chrysanthemum maximum 'Alaska', Dianthus barbatus, Ammi majus, Clarkia unguiculata, Rudbeckia hirta gloriosa Ratibida columnifera (Mexican Hat), Coreopsis tinctoria
Here at Bentley Seed, we only fill our seed packets with the freshest crop NON-GMO seed in our 3rd generation family-owned small business in upstate NY! Our packets are hand-picked for you!
*Online resale prohibited
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Peppers, while technically classified as fruits, are commonly used as vegetables in culinary dishes all around the world. With a wide variety of peppers available, such as bell peppers, jalapeños, and poblano peppers, there's something to suit every taste, from mild and sweet to fiery hot. Growing your own peppers can be a rewarding experience, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of growing peppers from seeds, planting, and caring for them, as well as how to use and store your delicious harvest.
Seed Plantation Choose a pepper variety that is suitable for your climate and geographical location. Start the planting process indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Container Size Selection If you're opting for container gardening, make sure the container size matches the pepper variety you've chosen. Typically, containers with a capacity of 3 to 5 gallons work well for most pepper plants.
Indoor Lighting Provide ample indoor lighting to support the growth of your pepper plants. You can use LED lights or place the containers near a window that receives plenty of sunlight.
Fertilization Fertilization is crucial for a thriving garden. While some soil mixes come pre-fortified with nutrients, adding organic, water-soluble fertilizers can significantly boost your pepper plants' growth.
Outdoor Transition As the weather warms up, it's time to move your pepper plants outdoors. Peppers thrive in temperatures between 70- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit, with moderate humidity (40% to 50%). If the temperature consistently stays above 55 degrees, you can leave your plants outside.
Regular Watering Once your pepper plants are outside, make sure to water them regularly. Keep an eye on pest control and provide nutrients as needed to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.
Harvesting When it's time to harvest your peppers, use a sharp knife or pruners. Avoid pulling the peppers off the plant, as this can cause damage to the branches and increase the risk of disease. Leave some of the stem attached to the pepper when cutting it. Harvesting some peppers while they're green and allowing others to mature on the vine will give you a mix of flavors, heat, and nutrition.
How to Use Your Peppers Now that gardening season is over, it's time to put your hard work to good use. In the winter, a great way to use your peppers is by making roasted red pepper soup, stuffed peppers, salsa, and sauces. If you're not ready to create a recipe using your peppers just yet, you can freeze them for later use.
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to growing and harvesting your own peppers. Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food, but you'll also have a variety of delicious peppers to incorporate into your favorite recipes. Happy gardening!
