Pepper Plant Care

Care for your pepper starts

1. Choosing a Good Space Indoors:

  • Light: Peppers need full sun to thrive, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place the plant near a south-facing window, or use a grow light if sunlight is limited indoors.

  • Temperature: Peppers prefer warmer conditions. Keep your container in a space where the temperature stays between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid drafts and cold spots, as peppers are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

  • Container: Select a 12-16 inch deep container with drainage holes. Peppers don’t need as deep a container as tomatoes, but they do need room for their roots to spread.

2. Watering Your Pepper Start:

  • Frequency: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering every 2-3 days, but adjust based on the indoor climate.

  • How Much Water: Water deeply to ensure the roots get moisture. Ensure excess water drains from the bottom of the container. Don’t let water sit in the saucer under the pot, as it can cause root rot.

  • Quality of Water: Use room temperature water and aim to water at the base of the plant, keeping the leaves dry to prevent fungal diseases.

3. Hardening Off Your Pepper Plant:

  • Why: Hardening off helps the plant adjust to outdoor conditions, which can prevent transplant shock.

  • Timing: Start hardening off about 7-10 days before moving the plant outside.

  • How: Gradually expose the plant to outdoor conditions by starting in a shaded area for a few hours each day. Increase the time outside and exposure to sunlight daily until the plant is acclimated.

4. Transplanting and Care After Moving Outside:

  • Container Size: When moving your pepper plant outside, use a larger container (at least 16-18 inches deep and wide) if it’s still in a smaller pot. The container should have good drainage.

  • Watering: After transplanting, water the plant well, ensuring the moisture reaches the root zone. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves.

  • Supporting the Plant: Peppers don’t usually need heavy staking, but if they grow tall or heavy, you can use stakes or cages to help support the plant and prevent it from tipping over.

5. Ongoing Care and Harvesting:

  • Pruning: Unlike tomatoes, peppers don’t require much pruning. However, you can remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and improve airflow.

  • Feeding: After the plant is established, feed it with a balanced fertilizer about every 2-3 weeks. A fertilizer with more potassium and phosphorus (lower in nitrogen) will promote better fruit production.

  • Harvesting: Peppers are typically ready to harvest when they are fully colored (green, red, yellow, orange, or purple, depending on the variety) and firm to the touch. Pick them when they are still shiny and firm for the best flavor. For hotter varieties, the peppers get spicier as they ripen.

Thank you for participating in Community Culture’s gardening program! By growing your own food, you’re not only taking a step toward self-sufficiency but also helping to inspire and empower others in your community. We’re excited to see you nurture your plants and hope this experience fuels your passion for gardening and sharing fresh, homegrown produce with those around you.