Emerald Giant Pepper Care

Water

• "Emerald Giant" peppers require regular, consistent watering as soggy soil or bone dry soil may result in failure to fruit, blossom drop or diseases such as blossom end rot or leaf blight. Deep watering is best because shallow watering creates shallow roots and unhealthy plants; apply approximately 1 to 2 inches per week. Use a drip-irrigation system or soaker hose if possible, as dry foliage is less susceptible to disease. If you use a sprinkler, water the plants early in the day to give the leaves time to dry.

Fertilizer

• Bell peppers are light feeders and too much fertilizer often results in lush, green plants with stunted or delayed blooming. However, the plants benefit from a light application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer applied four weeks and eight weeks after the plants are transplanted into the garden. Apply a 34-0-0 or 12-12-12 fertilizer at a rate of 1 teaspoon per plant. The fertilizer is best applied as a side dressing. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the ground about 6 inches from the plant, and then water deeply to distribute the fertilizer evenly around the roots.

Maintenance

• A 2- to 3-inch-layer of mulch such as shredded bark, dry grass clippings or chopped leaves keeps the roots warm, conserves moisture and helps keep weeds in check. However, test the soil temperature with a soil thermometer first and don't apply mulch until temperatures are at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In the event of chilly nights or unexpected frost, protect the peppers with hot caps until the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees. Harvest the plants regularly to promote continued blooming and fruiting. Harvest the peppers at any stage of ripeness. As the color turns from green to red, it becomes sweeter. Use pruners to cut the stem just above the pepper because pulling the pepper may damage the plant.

Pests

• Although bell peppers are relatively pest-resistant, the plants are sometimes bothered by aphids or hornworms. Treat aphids by spraying the tops and bottoms of the leaves with a commercial insecticidal soap spray. Mix the spray at a rate of 1 to 4 teaspoons per pint of water, depending on the severity of the problem. Reapply as needed every four to seven days. Hornworms are easy to remove by hand. However, if the infestation is heavy, apply a product containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria that kills the pests as they feed. Mix the Bt at a rate of 4 teaspoons in 1 gallon of water.