Capsicum annuum

Cultivation

They are grown from seedlings. Strengthen them before planting outside by gradually exposing them to lower temperatures.

Distance between plants

At least 50 cm (20 in) between rows and at least 40 cm between plants in a row.

Location

Sunny.

Amount

Four plants per person.

Time of planting

Beginning of February-mid March for seedlings. It germinates in 10-20 days.

Fertilization

With mature barn manure or compost. Water occasionally with algae brew. Use calcium foliage fertilizer in hot and dry summer.

Watering

They need a lot of water. Water every third day to 30 cm (12 in) deep. Use organic mulch.

Pepper’s good neighbors

Chives, kohlrabi, lamb’s lettuce, radish, sweet corn, lettuce, asparagus, celery, calendula, basil, rhubarb.

Pepper’s bad neighbors

Broad beans, beans, peas, all relatives (esp. potato and tomato)

Diseases and pests

Thrips, fungal disease and bacterial blights. Thrips makes scabs on fruits, while bacteria cause darker, round spots on leaves.

Pepper’s storage

Cut the fruits regularly. Keep them in the fridge up to two weeks. They can be pickled or frozen as well.

Food

Use the fruits. Peppers contain many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Pickle together with the seeds.

Important

They like warmth. It is important to prickle the seedlings out (when the first leaves turn horizontally) for a better root system.

Miscellaneous

There are hot, semi-hot and sweet varieties of pepper. They are different colors, but when ripe, they turn red or orange.