Growing Peppers

Planning

The pepper growing season in the Western Cape is from WW 3 & 4 (Early spring to early summer - August to October).

Planning includes consulting the literature to decide what peppers to grow, either from seeds or purchased transplants, either in raised beds or containers.

I start by filling peat pots with seeding soil and patting it down to firm it. I then place two pepper seeds on top of each peat pot, pushing them three-quarter inches into the soil, and covering them with just enough soil to fill the hole I made.

I water them and place them under grow lights and regularly water them until they germinate and continue until they have three to four sets of leaves, at which stage they are ready for transplanting.

Planting

I place a teaspoon of 5-10-10 fertilizer or equivalent into each planting hole and cover with 1 inch of soil before setting in seedlings 15 to 18 inches apart in my raised beds or two to three seedlings per container.

Plant management

I carry out the following tasks throughout the growing season:

  • I water the plants for five minutes three times daily with my computerized irrigation  system (link).
  • Side-dress plants monthly with about one tablespoon of 5-10-10 fertilizer or its equivalent for each plant
  • Support bushy, heavy-yielding plants by staking them.
  • Apply heavy organic mulches when summer heat begins to peak.
  • Temperatures over 90° F can cause buds and blossoms to drop. If necessary, I place them under shade-cloth (link).
Harvesting

I begin harvesting when peppers reach a usable size, leaving some peppers on the plant to ripen fully.

The peppers change colour and develop greater levels of vitamin C as they mature.  However, I don't let all peppers stay on the plant as this will cut off further blossoming and fruit set. Peppers should be regularly harvested and can be used when green.

Pests are not a serious concern. However, common pepper pests such as corn borers, flea beetles, and leaf miners occur and should be managed accordingly.​​​​​

Learn why chilli peppers feel like they are burning you when actually they are not in the harvesting and culinary section.
 

Peppers