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Want to grow hot peppers?
It’s easier than you think!
Check out these 6 simple tactics to get your peppers thriving. Even beginners can do it.
Ready to spice up your garden?
Let’s get growing!
Pick the Right Pepper Variety
- First things first, decide on the type of hot peppers you want to grow. Think about your heat preference – from mild jalapeños to fiery habaneros.
- Consider the climate you live in too. Some peppers thrive in warmer regions, while others can handle a bit of chill.
- Check out some seed catalogs or head to a nursery to grab your first pack of seeds!
Start Seeds Indoors
- Hot peppers like to take their sweet time growing, so consider starting the seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
- Use seed trays or small pots and plant the seeds in a seed-starting mix.
- Keep them in a warm place, preferably with a bit of sunlight or a grow light, to get a jumpstart on the growing season.
Transplant with Care
- Once the last frost date has passed, it’s time to move your baby peppers outside. Pick a sunny spot in your yard or garden.
- Introduce them to the great outdoors gradually by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for a few days.
- Dig holes big enough for your seedlings and gently transplant them. Be sure to space them about 18-24 inches apart.
Feed and Water Regularly
- Hot peppers love their food. Use a balanced fertilizer to give them the nutrients they need, especially once they start flowering.
- Water them consistently. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
If the weather’s too dry, consider setting up a drip irrigation system.
- Mulching can help retain moisture and keep those pesky weeds away.
Prune for Better Growth
- It might seem a bit harsh, but pruning your pepper plants can help them grow better and bear more fruit.
- Pinch off the first few flowers you see. This encourages the plant to grow more branches, leading to more peppers.
- Remove any leaves or branches that touch the ground to prevent disease.
Harvest Time!
- Patience pays off! Depending on the variety, your peppers will be ready to harvest once they reach their mature color (red, yellow, etc.).
- Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant, rather than pulling them off, to avoid damaging the plant.
- Enjoy your homegrown hot peppers! They can be used fresh, dried, or even pickled to add a spicy kick to your meals.