Capsicum annuum

Cultivation

The same as other peppers. Cultivate from seedlings. Before transplanting outside, strengthen the seedlings well with gradually exposing them to lower temperatures.

Distance between plants

At least 50 cm (20 in) between rows and at least 40 cm (15 in) between plants in a row.

Location

Sunny.

Amount

Up to three plants per person.

Time of planting

For seedlings from beginning of February till mid-March. The seeds germinate in 15 to 20 days.

Fertilization

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

Watering

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

Chili pepper’s good neighbors

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

Chili pepper’s bad neighbors

Broad beans, beans, peas, all relatives (especially potatoes and tomatoes).

Diseases and pests

Thrips and bacterial spots. Thrips cause scabs on fruits and bacteria cause darker, round posts on leaves.

Chili pepper’s storage

Cut the fruit regularly when needed. Store in the fridge up to two weeks. They can be frozen as well.

Food

Eat the fruits fresh, dried or pickled. It contains a lot of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and is aseptic. Pickle together with seeds.

Important

It loves warmth. It is important to prick out the seedlings early enough (when the germinated leaves stand horizontally) to enable better root system development.

Miscellaneous

The fruits grow in various colors, but turn red or orange when ripe.