How to Grow a Red Pepper Plant

Sweet red bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C.

Flag this photo

Cayenne peppers are a good source of Vitamin A and thanks to a substance known as capsaicin, have the added perk of loosening stuffy noses for those with colds. Sweet red bell peppers are a powerhouse of vitamins A and C. Red peppers, whether sweet or hot, are a frequent planting choice among home gardeners. Learn how to grow red peppers for use in salads and in perking up the flavor of different kinds of dishes.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedPeat potsSeed starting mixWater5-10-10 fertilizerSuggest EditsStarting Seeds Indoors1

Start red pepper seeds in peat pots using a seed starter mix about 8 weeks before you plan to move seedlings to the garden. Plant the seeds about a quarter inch deep.

2

Place the peat pots in a sunny location indoors.

3

Protect the emerging red pepper plants from the cold. The University of Minnesota suggests that you place your peat pots on top of the refrigerator, where it's warm, until the seeds germinate.

4

Water the seedlings daily, but don't let them get soggy.

5

Harden off your pepper plants by leaving them outdoors for several days before transplanting them to expose them to the outdoor weather. Do this only after all threats of frost are gone.

Transplanting1

Plant seedlings, whether started at home or bought at the garden center, in well-drained soil that's rich with organic matter.

2

Space your red pepper plants a foot or two apart, tamping the soil around them firmly.

3

Fertilize with a 5-10-10 product at planting time and again when the plants begin to blossom. Consult the package directions for instructions regarding the brand you choose.

4

Water frequently enough to keep the soil moist but not enough to be soggy.

5

Harvest hot red peppers when they've become full and are a bright red. Harvest sweet red bell peppers after they've changed from green to red.

Tips & Warnings

When handling hot red peppers, use gloves and don't touch your face, especially around the eyes. These peppers will burn the skin.

Suggest item

ReferencesCornell University Extension: Vegetable Growing Guide: PepperUniversity of MInnesota Extension Service: PeppersUniversity of Illinois Extension: PeppersOhio State University Extension: Growing Peppers in the Home GardenResourcesThe World's Healthiest Foods: Bell PeppersThe World's Healthiest Foods: Cayenne PepperPhoto Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty ImagesRead Next:

Print this articleCommentsFollow eHowFollow

View the Original article