hot peppers

HOT PEPPERS

Peppers should be at least 8 inches apart from one another to grow properly; 12-15 inches would be ideal.

Peppers should get from 6-8 hours of sunlight.

Sow seedlings indoors, eight to ten weeks before the last frost date for your area. They are a difficult seed germinate, and seedlings grow slowly at first. Provide bottom heat or heat lamps to raise the soil temperature to 80 degrees. This will promote better and quicker germination. A heated germination mat works well.

While your seedlings are growing, get your garden ready. Add plenty of compost, manure, and a general fertilizer.
Peppers like hot weather. Transplant young seedlings outdoors after the last chance of frost. If the weather is still cool, delay transplanting a few days, and keep them in a coldframe, indoors, or next to the house.
Space 18-24 inches apart, in rows 24 to 30 inches apart.

Mulching around the peppers to keep down weeds, retain moisture, and help to feed the plant. As the peppers develop, switch over to a fertilizer higher in Phosphorous and Potassium. Gardeners often make the mistake of providing too much nitrogen. The result is a great looking bushy, green plant, but few fruit.

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