1. Introduction. Peppers prefer hot weather. They are renowned in fiery cuisines of India, Thailand and throughout the rest of the world. Peppers can be picked at any color stage, but are hottest when fully ripened; bright red. Peppers are a warm-season vegetables. For optimum growth, peppers require somewhat higher temperatures than tomatoes. 2. Varieties Peppers. Some group different types of peppers together as some look alike and are comparable in their extreme hotness. Ours is an Indian strain which through careful breeding became Guinness record holder at over a million Scoville units, roughly twice as hot as the previous record holder; the Red Savina . Warning: Direct consumption of these peppers canbe dangerous. Merely handling the seeds can cause irritation to the hands. 3. Starting Seeds Peppers are difficult to grow. They are best started from seeds indoors in late winter roughly 6 to 8 weeks before they are to be set out and transplanted into the garden. Start pepper plants indoors several weeks earlier than tomatoes; well before the last frost date. Pepper seeds are infamous for slow germination, or germinating at different times. Even when grown under optimal conditions, germination can be slow and irregular. It is not unusual for some seeds to sprout weeks after the first ones. Some varieties may take more than 6 weeks or longer to germinate; be patient. Try soaking seeds overnight in warm water to stimulate germination or start them in moist paper towels, in plastic bags that aren't completely sealed . Start pepper seeds in pre-moistened seed starting mix or light potting soil. To avoid soil-born diseases clean commercial starting mix is recommended. Plant seeds flat, and then cover lightly with soil or sow them 1/4-inch deep in 2-to 3-inch containers such as peat or newspaper pots. To water, spray soil daily just enough to keep it moist. Keep planted seeds in a well-lighted, warm area preferably under fluorescent lights and with subsoil heat. Seeds germinate best above 65 degrees; Ideal germination temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. A heated germination mat works well. Prevent seedlings from damping off by keeping soil damp but not wet to saturation, and by providing good air circulation. Do not water from below, as this can adversely affect germination. Transplant in spring only after soil and air have warmed and weather is warm and settled. Seedlings or plants cannot tolerate frost and do not grow well in cold, wet soil. If night temperatures fall below 50° to 55°F, plants may be stunted and grow slowly, leaves may turn yellow, and flowers to drop off. Black plastic mulch and/or floating row covers may be used to advantage to warm soil and enhance early spring growing conditions; or whenever cool weather threatens. Transplant seedlings, as soon as they are large enough to handle, into flats, 2 to 3 inches apart or individually in small pots. Once plants are roughly five inches tall and nighttime temperature is above 60ºF, harden the plants off by slowly acclimatizing them to the garden. Keep plants shaded at first to avoid sun scald and finally transplant to a garden location in full sun. For best results, do not plant peppers seeds directly outside. More sun and less water are known to increase flavor and heat intensity. Feed seedlings with half- strength water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks. Plants mature in 100 days. 4. Planting Hardened-off seedlings may be planted outdoors two to three weeks after the last frost when the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees F. peppers need full sun, warm rich soil (amended with compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold) and good drainage. PH 6 to 7 is preferred. When peppers begin to produce flower buds, pinch them off and continue to do this for the first 1 to 2 weeks in order to force plants to develop leaves and a strong root system. Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of organic matter or black/clear plastic to keep weed growth down, and to maintain soil moisture and temperature. peppers spread and have brittle branches. In order to work the rows without damaging the plants, plant them in rows 5-6 feet apart. In-row spacing should be 16-18 inches so they can support each other. Peppers do well in raised beds.
