Pepper Growing Guide (Step-by-Step)

1. Start seeds in February

   • Sow 3–4 seeds per pot.

   • Use larger pots from the start—peppers dislike multiple transplants.

2. Place & warm

   • Put pots in a sunny, warm window.

   • Keep roots warm day and night (avoid cold windowsills).

3. Germination (10–14 days), some peppers are slow to germinate - be patient

   • Keep soil evenly moist (not soaked) until seeds sprout.

4. Thin seedlings

   • After germination, remove weak seedlings.

   • Leave two strong plants per pot—they perform best as a pair.

5. Prepare the planting area (2 weeks before transplanting)

   • Work organic fertilizer into the soil where peppers will go.

6. Transplant outdoors (after all frost danger)

   • Transplant on an evening or cloudy day.

   • Do not separate the pair in each pot.

   • Space pairs about 2 ft (60 cm) apart.

   • Water well at planting.

7. Early care (first 1–2 weeks)

   • Check soil often; keep moist but not waterlogged.

   • Watch for signs of new growth.

8. Mulch

   • Apply 3–4 in (7–10 cm) of wood chips or grass clippings to suppress weeds, hold moisture, and add organic matter.

9. Support

   • None usually needed—pepper stems are woody and handle fruit weight well.

10. Harvest

• Pick when fruits reach the size and color you like.

• The longer peppers stay on the plant, the more vitamins and sweetness they develop.

• Color often changes from dark green to red or yellow (variety dependent).