did you know?

The heat level of peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units. Named after the man who invented it, Wilbur Scoville, the scale ranges from 0 to 300,000, though theoretically a pepper could measure up to 1,000,000. A bell pepper measures 0, a jalapeño is about 3,000, and a habañero is 300,000.

general maintenance:

After transplanting, remove the first blossoms before fruits set to encourage the plant to establish a healthy root system before it has to support fruit. Use black plastic mulch to retain soil moisture, keep weeds at bay, and provide the additional heat that peppers require.

pests/diseases:

Cutworms, tomato hornworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial leaf spot, and wilt may occur.

controls:

Install collars to thwart cutworms. Handpick hornworms from foliage. Use floating row covers to protect young plants from aphids and flea beetles. Space plants for adequate air circulation, and rotate crops regularly.

how to sow/plant:

Sow indoors in spring, 8?10 weeks before last frost, 1/4?1/2 inch deep. Seeds germinate best at 75°?80°F. Transplant outdoors 2 weeks after last frost, 18?24 inches apart in rows spaced 2?3 feet apart.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil evenly moist. To ensure continued fruit set, side-dress every 3 weeks with compost or a balanced fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

Peppers, like tomatoes and eggplants, are warm-season crops that are sensitive to cold. Before transplanting, harden off young seedlings by gradually exposing them to cooler outdoor temperatures.

features:

garden uses:

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (use gloves when handling and chopping)
• Everlasting (>)