Capsicum annuum
Peppers, both sweet and hot, are among the richest sources of nutrients in the plant kingdom. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, known for boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation.
Key Information
- Days to Maturity: Calculated from the date of transplanting these pepper seedlings in Pendleton and reflect the time to harvest edible green fruit.
- Nutritional Highlights: Peppers are nutrient-rich, with hot varieties containing capsaicin for health benefits.
Cultivation Tips
- Soil Requirements:
- Peppers thrive in composted, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–6.8.
- Raised beds covered with plastic mulch optimize growth and yields.
- Temperature Needs:
- Peppers grow best in stable weather conditions, setting fruit most effectively between 65–85°F.
- Avoid transplanting into cool soils to prevent slow growth.
- Additional Care:
- Use row covers to protect young plants, removing them after blossoms appear.
Transplanting Seedlings:
- Timing: Transplant Sweet Bell Pepper seedlings in Pendleton Oregon when the soil temperature is consistently above 65°F, and nighttime temperatures are above 55°F. These peppers are highly sensitive to cold and frost.
- Preparation: Select a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter before planting to ensure the plants have adequate nutrients for healthy growth.
- Spacing: Space seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Proper spacing ensures good airflow, reduces disease risk, and allows plants to grow to their full size.
- Planting Depth: Gently remove seedlings from their pots, keeping the root ball intact. Plant at the same depth they were growing in their containers, taking care not to bury the stem.
- Watering: Water the seedlings thoroughly after transplanting. Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth.
- Support: Sweet Bell Peppers may become heavy with fruit as they grow. Use stakes or small cages to provide support and prevent stems from bending or breaking.
- Feeding: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea to encourage healthy growth and maximize fruit production.
Pest & Disease Management
- Common Pests:
- Flea beetles and aphids.
- Use row covers to manage infestations.
- Disease Prevention:
- Rotate crops every 3–4 years to minimize disease risks.
Harvest & Storage
- Peppers are most flavorful and nutrient-rich when fully ripe and turn red, yellow, purple, or orange.
- Store harvested peppers at 45–55°F with 95% relative humidity for optimal freshness.
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