Sweet Pepper Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Sweet Pepper Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Sweet Peppers

Planting Schedule:
Begin your sweet pepper journey indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the frost's final farewell, under ample light. Transition to outdoor planting when the warmth is consistent, ensuring nighttime temperatures stay above 12°C (55°F). For germination, maintain soil warmth at 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, possibly with the aid of seedling heating mats for faster germination. Maintain seedling temperatures at 18-24°C (64-75°F) during the day and 16-18°C (61-64°F) at night.

Transfer seedlings to 8cm (3″) pots before they outgrow their initial space, then to 15cm (6″) pots, ensuring a warmer nighttime setting of around 21°C (70°F).


Growing:
Three weeks before transplanting, prepare your garden bed with lime and compost for rich phosphorus and calcium levels. Place ½ cups of balanced organic fertilizer under each plant. While sweet peppers can endure dry spells, consistent moisture encourages robust growth.

Acclimatize them before planting 30-60cm (12-24″) apart. Consider five-gallon containers for adequate drainage and moisture. Employ plastic mulch and cloches for extra warmth. Pinching back the growing tips promotes foliage to protect fruits from sun-scald.


Harvesting:
Harvest when fruits are large, firm, and colourful. Picking when green may increase yield, but allowing peppers to mature fully enhances sweetness and vitamin C levels.

Late-season fruits may not ripen outdoors; consider pulling the entire bush before frost and hanging it in a warm, dry place to ripen.

Sweet Peppers 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.