The Seasoning of a Pepper Plant

Season

• Peppers are warm-season summertime plants and fall into a group that requires completely frost-free growing seasons. Plant them only after frost lifts, and expect them to fade and die at the first frost of fall. The Ohio State University Extension notes that peppers do best at 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, fail below 60 F and experience fruit set at more than 90 F.

Maturity Dates

• All pepper plants maintain specific growing seasons via their maturity dates. These dates measure the length of time between seeding and initial fruit production, or maturity. Peppers qualify as long-season vegetables with maturity dates of 70 to 85 days. Plant peppers at least 90 days before the average first frost to ensure a vegetable harvest.

Site, Soil, Water

• Pepper plants require specific considerations for successful growth. Set them out in areas with full sun and good air movement, and amend the soil with organic compost for better nutrition and moisture. Start peppers with 5-10-10 fertilizer, space them at 18 inches in the row and provide them with at least 2 inches of water every week. Feed peppers monthly with organic fertilizer or at midseason with 12-12-12 fertilizer.

Harvest Time

• Harvest peppers at maturity, when they reach full size and mature coloration, for the sweetest harvest. Don't leave the peppers on the vine past ripening, as they'll rot. Use scissors to cut the peppers from the branches to encourage another fruit set. Pulling he peppers off by hand may damage the bushes.