Hot Pepper Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Hot Pepper Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Hot Peppers

Planting Schedule:
Begin your pepper journey indoors six to eight weeks before the anticipated last frost. Ensure they receive ample light to foster growth.

For successful seed germination, maintain soil temperatures between 25-29°C (78-85°F), with seeds sprouting within 10 to 21 days.


Seed Starting:
Plant seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½") deep in warm soil to encourage germination. Utilize seedling heating mats for optimal results. Maintain daytime temperatures between 18-24°C (64-75°F) and nighttime temperatures at 16-18°C (61-64°F).

Before seedlings become root-bound, transfer them to 8cm (3") pots, keeping nighttime temperatures around 12°C (55°F) for four weeks to enhance flower development. Eventually, move them to larger 15cm (6") pots and keep them in a warmer area at night, around 21°C (70°F).


Growing:
Prepare your garden bed with lime and compost three weeks before transplanting to ensure a rich supply of phosphorus and calcium. Incorporate ½ cup of balanced organic fertilizer under each plant. Peppers prefer moist soil for optimal growth. Acclimate plants gradually to outdoor conditions before spacing them 30-60cm (12-24") apart.

Consider using five-gallon containers with excellent drainage and plastic mulch with a cloche to raise soil temperature slightly. Pinch back the growing tips to boost leaf growth, providing shade for the fruits and preventing sun-scald.


Harvesting:
Harvest peppers when they're large and firm for early use, or allow them to fully ripen into red, yellow, brown, or purple hues for increased sweetness and vitamin C. Harvesting green peppers can yield a greater yield.

Note that fruit sets after late August may not develop or mature. Pull and hang the entire bush upside down to extend the growing season in a warm, dry place before the first frost, allowing any remaining peppers to ripen.

Hot Pepper Pests & Diseases

Aphids:
Aphids are tiny sap-sucking pests that can weaken plants and spread diseases.

Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden. Plant companion plants that repel aphids, such as marigolds.

Wash plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge aphids. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to affected areas, ensuring thorough coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves.


Rot and Wilt:
These are often caused by fungal infections that attack the roots or base of the plant, leading to yellowing leaves and a general decline in plant health.

Ensure proper drainage in your garden beds or containers. Avoid overcrowding and water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.

Remove and destroy affected plants to prevent the spread at the first signs of rot or wilt. Apply a fungicide recommended for edible plants, following package instructions carefully. Add compost to improve soil conditions and reduce fungal spore survival rates.


Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV):
TMV is a viral disease that results in mottled leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. It's easily spread through touch.

Practice good hygiene by washing hands and disinfecting tools before and after handling plants. Avoid using tobacco products around your garden, as they can carry the virus.

There are no treatments available to cure plants affected by TMV. To prevent the spread of the virus, infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately. Focus on preventive measures and plant-resistant varieties when available.