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.
This story is from the Issue 171 - June 2023 edition of Garden Gate.
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This story is from the Issue 171 - June 2023 edition of Garden Gate.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Spinach - Learn the secrets to growing this tasty green in spring and fall.
If you're one of those gardeners who can't wait to get started in spring and hates to throw in the trowel in fall, spinach is the perfect shoulder season crop. This mild, earthy-flavored green comes in many varieties, ranging from crinkly-leafed savoys to slightly textured semi-savoys and the flat, smooth-leafed types. Colors can be dark green, light green and even red-veined. Here's how to get the most of it every year.
Why Bulb Depth Matters - Dig deep enough to ensure your plants stand tall and live the longest
When you're planting bulbs, it's tempting to just dig a hole as deep as your trowel will reach easily, nestle the bulb in, cover it up and move on. But the fact is, each type of bulb will flower best and thrive at a different depth.A good rule of thumb is to plant a bulb two to three times its height. One reason planting depth is important is because it helps to keep the bulbs protected from fluctuations in temperature that happen closer to the surface.
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