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First of all, before you start growing peppers, it is essential to choose the variety or varieties that suit you best.
In fact, there are many varieties of peppers with varied characteristics, both in terms of taste, shape, size, and color. A distinction is generally made between sweet peppers, ideal for salads and Mediterranean cuisine, and hot peppers or chillies, used to season dishes.
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Thus, according to your desires and your culinary needs, you can opt for varieties such as the California Wonder pepper, widespread and appreciated for its thick and juicy flesh, the marconi pepper, elongated and ideal for grilling, or the chilli. Espelette, to add a spicy touch to your preparations.
2. Preparing pepper seedlings indoors
The first step to growing peppers successfully is to sow seeds indoors, usually between February and April.
In fact, peppers need heat to germinate and develop, and the ideal temperature is around 25°C. Here’s how:
Fill buckets or trays with lightly compacted seedling soil.
Place your pepper seeds on the surface of the potting soil, spacing them about 2cm apart.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting soil, then gently water with a sprayer.
Place your seedlings near a heat source (radiator, hot greenhouse) and to the light, taking care to maintain a constant temperature and sufficient humidity.
After 2 to 3 weeks, the pepper seeds should germinate and the first sprouts will appear. Do not hesitate to transplant them individually into larger pots if they are too narrow, taking care to handle them delicately so as not to damage the roots.
3. Transplanting Peppers Outdoors
Once the risk of frost has passed, usually from mid-May, you can transplant your pepper plants outdoors, either directly in the ground or in containers or pots on your terrace or balcony.
Here are some tips for successfully completing this crucial step:
Choose a sunny location that is protected from the wind, as peppers need warmth and light to develop properly.
Prepare the soil by enriching it with compost or well-decomposed manure, then loosen it with a pitchfork or a grind.
Space your pepper plants about 50cm apart in all directions, to give them enough room to grow and bloom.
Water your pepper plants well after planting, to promote rooting and combat transplanting stress.
If you grow your peppers in pots, be sure to choose containers that are at least 30cm in diameter and depth, and fill them with a mixture of potting soil and compost.
4. Maintain and care for your pepper plants
The success of your pepper crop also depends on good maintenance throughout the season.
Here are some essential steps to take care of your plants and ensure their proper development:
Irrigation: Peppers need fresh, moist but not soggy soil. Water regularly, being careful not to wet the leaves to avoid disease. In hot climates, mulching with straw, grass clippings, or wood chips can be beneficial in keeping the soil moist.
Stake: to prevent your pepper plants from falling due to the weight of the fruit, do not hesitate to tie them to stakes or hold them with nets or cages.
Removal of suckers: to promote fruiting, it is advisable to remove the suckers, these small lateral shoots that appear between the main stem and the branches. Simply pinch them with your fingers or cut them with a clean, sanitized pruner.
Pruning plants: at the end of the season, do not hesitate to prune the ends of the branches of your pepper plants, to stimulate the ripening of the last fruits and facilitate their harvest.
Finally, to prevent diseases and pest attacks, take a preventive approach by encouraging biodiversity within your garden (hedges, honey flowers, insect hotel) and ensuring the good health of your plants (watering, fertilizing, aeration).
5. Harvest and store your peppers
The peppers are usually harvested between July and October, when the fruits have reached their final size and colour.
To do this, simply cut the peppers with pruning shears, keeping a small piece of the stem. You can then store them for a few days at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for longer storage.
If you want to save your peppers for the winter, you have several options:
Freezing: Wash, seed, and cut peppers into strips or cubes, then place in freezer bags.
Jar storage: Prepare sterilized jars and fill with peppers cut into strips, then coat with olive oil and some herbs (garlic, thyme, bay leaf).
Drying: Cut your peppers into thin strips and dry them in the sun, in a dehydrator or in the oven at a low temperature, then store them in an airtight jar.
By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy your peppers all year round, and bring a colorful and tasty touch to your dishes.
In conclusion, planting and growing peppers is not an insurmountable task, as long as you follow the key steps and adopt good practices. So don’t hesitate any longer, throw yourself into this adventure and savour the pleasure of tasting your own peppers, freshly picked from your garden!
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