PEPPERS

TRY THESE TIPS FOR A BUMPER CROP THIS YEAR!

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NEED TO KNOW

Pepper Capsicum annuum

When to plant seedlings In late spring when soil temperatures are at least 65 degrees F

Light Full sun

When to harvest When the fruits are the mature size and desired color, 80 to 100 days from transplanting

Yields Sweet bell peppers produce 5 to 10 fruits per plant, hot peppers can produce 20 to 40 fruits per plant

Problems to watch Bacterial leaf spot, blossom end rot, sunscald

It doesn't matter if you prefer the sweet crunch of a bell pepper or the fiery heat of a habanero; you'll find growing your own peppers is easy and rewarding. Both sweet and hot peppers grow on plants that are productive, but also beautiful with glossy fruits in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

There are two main types of peppers: sweet and hot. Sweet peppers have little to no heat and a flavor that runs from mild to fruity. The immature fruits of most varieties of sweet peppers are green and ripen to rich hues of red, orange, yellow, purple, white and even chocolate brown. Large bell pepper plants produce 5 to 10 fruits each, while mini fruiting varieties typically yield several dozen peppers per plant.