Growing A Six-Pack Of Hot Peppers

Growing hot peppers can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires time, patience, and the right conditions. Here's an introduction to the process of growing hot peppers in six pots:

First, it's important to select the right type of hot pepper for your climate and preferences. Some common varieties include jalapeño, cayenne, habanero, and ghost peppers, each offering varying levels of spiciness. Choose a variety that suits your taste and growing conditions.

Next, you'll need to prepare your six pots by filling them with a high-quality potting mix or organic soil. Ensure the pots have adequate drainage holes, as hot peppers prefer well-drained soil. It's also crucial to start with seedlings rather than seeds to maximize the growing season. Look for compact varieties that are well-suited for containers, such as jalapeño or cayenne peppers.

Place your pots in a sunny location where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Hot peppers thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 80°F during the day and 60°F to 70°F at night. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or frost.

Water your hot pepper plants regularly, aiming to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water at the base of the plant rather than on the leaves to prevent the spread of fungal diseases. Fertilize your plants every seven to 14 days with an organic fertilizer designed for fruits and vegetables.

As your hot pepper plants grow, provide support with stakes or cages to prevent branch breakage, especially when the branches become heavy with fruits. Regularly check your plants for pests and diseases, as hot peppers are susceptible to aphids, cutworms, and bacterial infections.

Finally, harvest your hot peppers once they reach their mature color, which can vary depending on the variety. Wear gloves when handling super-hot peppers, and use garden shears to cut the peppers from the plant to avoid damaging the branches. Enjoy your spicy harvest!

Germinating seeds

There are many methods to germinate hot pepper seeds, but the paper towel method is highly recommended. Here is a step-by-step guide to the paper towel method:

Step 1: Wash your hands and put on disposable latex gloves

This will prevent the seeds from being contaminated with unwanted bacteria or fungi.

Step 2: Soak the seeds in a 50/50 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes

This will kill any bacteria on the seeds.

Step 3: Soak the seeds in a seed germination accelerator for 12 to 24 hours

This step is crucial and should not be skipped. It is called seed priming in the scientific community and has been proven to reduce germination times. Seed priming softens the seed shell for easier and quicker germination, increases the initial height of seedlings, and improves seedling survival ability, among other benefits.

Step 4: Rinse the seeds and place them evenly spaced on a damp paper towel

The paper towel should be damp but not soaking. Like a wrung-out sponge.

Step 5: Fold the paper towel in half and place it in a ziplock bag

Do not squeeze out the air in the bag. Leave a large air bubble as the seeds need oxygen to germinate.

Step 6: Place the bag on a towel on top of a heat mat set to 85º F (29.4º C)

A barrier between the bag and heat mat, like a thick towel, will prevent large temperature swings.

Step 7: Check the bag every few days for roots

Over the next couple of hours, you will see water droplets forming on the top of the bag. Add water as necessary to prevent the paper towel from drying out. Be patient – super-hot pepper seeds can take anywhere from 14 to 30+ days to germinate. Monitor the bag and open it every few days to check for little white roots popping out of the seed shell.

Step 8: Transplant the seeds into a cell tray or a small pot with fresh potting soil as soon as they "pop"

Bury the seed about 1/4″ deep with the root pointing down. Cover the seed with soil and press down slightly to reduce "helmet heads". Finally, water the seeds and keep them well-ventilated.

Other Tips for Germinating Hot Pepper Seeds:

• Start germinating seeds about six to 10 weeks before the last average frost date in your area. In most climates, January is a great time for germinating hot pepper seeds, but you may want to start as early as November or as late as February.
• Soaking seeds in warm water or chamomile tea overnight can help to soften the seed shell and speed up germination.
• Germinating hot pepper seeds requires warmth. The ideal temperature range is between 70 to 85º F (21-29º C). A seedling heat mat can be very helpful.
• Keep the seeds consistently moist but not soggy.
• Place a fan near the seedlings to promote stronger stems.

Choosing a container

Choosing the right container for your hot pepper plants is crucial to their growth and overall health. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a container:

Container Size

Pepper plants need adequate space for their roots to spread and grow to their full potential. The size of the container will depend on the variety of pepper you are growing. In general, larger pepper varieties will require larger pots. For example, a bell pepper plant typically needs more space than a cayenne pepper plant.

As a rule of thumb, pepper plants require a minimum of 3-5 gallons of growing medium to produce a healthy yield. For smaller pepper varieties, such as cayenne peppers or Thai chillies, a pot of at least 3 gallons is recommended. For larger varieties like bell peppers and banana peppers, aim for a container with 5 gallons or more.

Some pepper varieties, like ghost peppers, can utilise up to 10-15 gallons of soil. However, such large containers may be impractical for some growers. If you are aiming for larger harvests, it is best to opt for larger containers to allow your pepper plants to mature to their maximum size.

Container Material

When choosing the material of your container, consider factors such as drainage, moisture retention, and portability. Here are some common container materials:

• Plastic or metal pots are recommended over terra cotta, as peppers require consistently moist soil, and terra cotta dries out more quickly.
• Fabric grow bags are highly effective for faster plant growth due to their breathable walls. They are affordable, collapsible, and easy to store after the growing season.
• Ceramic pots can be a good option if you want to water less frequently, as they retain moisture better than terra cotta.
• For an affordable option, consider using a 5-gallon plastic bucket, which can be purchased for a few dollars. Just remember to drill holes in the bottom for drainage.

Container Drainage

Regardless of the type of container you choose, ensure that it has adequate drainage holes. Peppers need freely draining soil, so if your container doesn't have holes, be sure to drill some yourself. Poor drainage can lead to waterlogged soil, which can cause issues such as root rot and fungal growth.

Selecting a variety

Selecting the right variety of hot pepper plants is crucial for a successful and spicy harvest. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best varieties for your six-pot hot pepper garden:

Heat Level

Firstly, decide on the heat level you prefer. Hot peppers come in a wide range of spiciness, from mild varieties like jalapenos and poblano peppers to super-hot varieties like the Carolina Reaper and Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper). If you're a beginner, it's best to choose mild to medium-hot peppers, as super-hot peppers can be challenging to grow and may require more specialised care.

Colour and Size

Hot peppers also come in various colours, including red, yellow, orange, purple, brown, and even blue. Choosing colourful varieties, such as purple jalapenos or yellow habaneros, can add an ornamental touch to your garden. Additionally, consider the size of the plants. Some hot pepper plants, like the Brazilian Starfish Peppers, are compact and ideal for small spaces, while others, like the Habanero Tree, can grow tall and may require staking or tomato cages for support.

Growth Requirements

When selecting a variety, it's essential to consider the specific growth requirements of each type. Some hot peppers may require warmer temperatures, more sunlight, or specific soil conditions than others. For example, peppers generally prefer slightly acidic soil, and varieties like the Carolina Reaper thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 80°F during the day. Understanding the unique needs of each variety will help you provide the optimal growing conditions.

Availability of Seeds or Seedlings

Another factor to consider is the availability of seeds or seedlings. While starting from seeds offers a broader selection of varieties, including heirlooms and organic types, it can be tricky due to the warmth and moisture requirements of hot peppers. On the other hand, buying seedlings gives you a head start, but the variety options may be more limited. Assess your gardening skills and the time you can dedicate to seed starting when making this decision.

Your Culinary Preferences

Finally, choose hot pepper varieties that align with your culinary preferences and intended use. For example, if you enjoy making salsa or hot sauce, select varieties with a good balance of heat and flavour, like the Cayenne or Serrano peppers. If you like the challenge of extremely hot peppers, go for the super-hot varieties. Alternatively, if you prefer milder dishes, opt for mild jalapenos or poblano peppers, which are perfect for stuffing or frying.

Watering and fertilising

Watering

• Water your hot pepper plants daily, especially during midsummer.
• Check the soil before watering. If the top inch of soil is dry, it's time to water. If it's not dry, hold off on watering to avoid overwatering.
• Water early in the morning. Avoid daytime watering, as it can cause rapid evaporation, and nighttime watering, as it can leave plants wet for too long, increasing the risk of bacteria and fungi.
• Aim for the base of the plant when watering, avoiding the leaves.
• Peppers require consistently moist soil and those in containers generally need more frequent watering than those in the ground.
• Use a watering can or a hose with a gentle-setting spray nozzle.

Fertilising

• Feed your hot pepper plants with a natural, organic plant food designed for fruits and vegetables.
• Apply fertiliser per the product's instructions, usually about every seven to 14 days.
• Feeding is especially important while the plants are flowering.
• Avoid over-fertilising, as it will reduce the number of peppers produced.
• Amend the soil before planting with compost or organic material.
• Sprinkle Epsom salts over the soil or dilute it in water and spray it on the plants.
• Remove the first set of flowers to allow the plant to grow stronger and set more fruit throughout the season.
• Check your plants regularly for pests, signs of stress or disease, and remove weeds.

Common pests and diseases

While growing hot peppers, you may encounter common pests and diseases that can affect your plants. Here are some of the most frequent issues:

Pests

• Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that like to hide beneath the leaves and on the stems of pepper plants. They suck out the sap and secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and sooty mould. While small infestations are not a major concern, larger ones can cause significant problems.
• Cutworms are one of the most destructive pests for peppers, especially young seedlings. They chew through the base of young plants and also damage the leaves.
• Flea beetles are another common pest that creates small holes or pits in the leaves, giving them a Swiss cheese-like appearance. Young plants and seedlings are particularly vulnerable to flea beetles, which can stunt their growth.
• Pepper weevils feed on the foliage, buds, and young fruits of pepper plants. The larvae cause the fruits to become misshapen and discoloured, eventually leading to fruit drop.
• Thrips are tiny insects that are hard to see with the naked eye. They feed on all stages of the pepper plant and are considered a significant commercial pest for large-scale pepper production.
• Whiteflies can transmit harmful viruses and cause the leaves of pepper plants to shrivel, turn yellow, and drop.

Diseases

• Anthracnose is a fungal infection that affects many crops and ornamental plants. It causes circular lesions on the fruits and leaves, which can enlarge and merge, leading to significant crop damage if left untreated.
• Mosaic virus is a viral infection that spreads through seeds, soil, or sap-sucking insects like aphids. It causes mottled leaves, stunted growth, and bumpy surfaces on the peppers. There is no cure for this virus once a plant is infected.
• Bacterial leaf spot is a common bacterial infection, especially in warm, humid, and rainy climates. It causes yellow and green spots on the leaves that turn brown over time. The peppers may also develop raised, corky spots and eventually decay.
• Phytophthora blight is a soil-borne disease that spreads when water splashes the soil onto the foliage. It causes large, brown leaf spots, wilting leaves, and root rot, eventually leading to plant death.
• Verticillium wilt is a bacterial infection that blocks the plant's vascular tissue, preventing the transport of water and nutrients. It typically starts on one side of the plant, causing wilting and discolouration that gradually spreads.

Frequently asked questions