Transplanting peppers into cold soil stunts them for weeks. Wait until night temperatures stay consistently above 55°F (13°C) and soil reaches 65°F (18°C).
Growing Sweet Bell & Spicy Chili Peppers for Big Yields
From soil heat requirements to pruning the early blossom, discover how to pack your pepper plants with thick, crunchy fruit.
Johny Alex•Founder & Head Grower
Field-tested vegetable growing specialist
Patience with Soil Temperature: Peppers Hate Cold Feet
When your young pepper seedling reaches about 6 to 8 inches tall, pinching out the top central growing tip stimulates dormant nodes to branch into a sturdy bush capable of holding dozens of peppers.
The "Topping" Technique for Bushier Plants
Peppers love magnesium. A gentle foliar spray of Epsom salts (1 tablespoon dissolved per gallon of warm water) at flowering time promotes heavy blossom set.
Magnesium and Phosphorus Boost for Pepper Flowering
Consistent execution and monitoring are the keys to a thriving crop. Ensure your soil stays evenly moist, inspect leaf undersides weekly for early pests, and harvest at morning peak crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my bell peppers staying green?
All bell peppers start green and take an additional 2 to 3 weeks of summer sun to ripen into their final red, orange, or yellow color.
Johny Alex
8+ Years in Small-Space & Raised Bed Food GrowingFounder & Head Gardener
I believe anyone with a square foot of sunlight can grow real, delicious food. Over 8 years ago, I started with two cracked terracotta pots on a drafty balcony and killed my first batch of tomatoes. Today, I grow over 40 varieties of heirloom vegetables, greens, and root crops using simple, organic methods that respect the soil and your time.
Continue Reading
Related Field Guides
Vegetable Growing Guides (A–Z)
Continuous Harvest Leaf Lettuce & Gourmet Salad Greens
1 min readRead
Vegetable Growing Guides (A–Z)
How to Grow Abundant Zucchini & Summer Squash
1 min readRead
Vegetable Growing Guides (A–Z)
How to Grow Sweet, Straight Carrots in Any Soil
1 min readRead