With so many varieties to choose from, gardeners can have fun experimenting with how to grow peppers. Bell peppers are a popular favorite - pick them while they are still green, or wait until they mature and turn red for a sweeter option. Peppers do need lots of heat and light to grow well and yield an abundant harvest. You can typically get about 5-10 peppers per plant over the course of the summer season.
Excellent as a crispy addition to salads or grilled to bring out their natural sweetness - peppers are versatile and work well in a wide range of recipes. You will want to use them up as you pick them for optimal flavor - they do not typically last very long in the refrigerator. Although they can be frozen but will lose some of their crispness and will be better suited for cooked dishes once thawed.
Growing peppers in GardenSoxx® | Plant Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade)
Different Varieties of Peppers
There are thousands of different varieties of pepper cultivars available on the market, and so many can be considered for growing in the home garden. The choice really comes down to a matter of personal preference, and making sure the cultivar you choose is adaptable to your growing zone. Keep in mind that peppers grow best in hot weather, so northern growers should opt for a variety that has a quicker seed-to-harvest time.
A popular cultivar that adds variety to the garden are Banana peppers. These long yellow peppers are usually mild and sweet, but can sometimes have a hint of heat as well. The plants are typically high-producing and will yield a harvest in about 60 days.
Some of the best peppers for containers are the Shishito Pepper variety. This delicious Japanese cultivar is easy to grow and only grows to a height of about 2ft, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The fun thing about Shishito peppers is the unpredictability of their heat. While most fruits will be mild, some will grow to be surprisingly spicy and may catch you off-guard.
A great option for cooler climates, Miniature Red Bell Peppers are fun to grow and harvest. Their sweet taste and small size make them a popular favorite for kids who love to help in the garden. Saving seeds from your peppers will allow you to continue growing the same variety year after year.
Orange You Sweet is a variety of orange sweet peppers that start out green, and become sweeter over time as they turn to a bright orange color once they are ready to harvest. This is a hardy pepper variety that produces a high yield and is perfect for pickling.
For those who prefer higher heat levels, consider growing Scotch Bonnet peppers in your garden - but beware! While this is not the hottest of all pepper varieties, it can still reach a 350,000 rating on the Scoville scale. Along with the heat, their sweet and fruity flavor makes them a popular choice for homemade hot sauces.
A unique and colorful option that doubles as ornamental are Bolivian Rainbow Peppers. Incorporate these high-producing plants into your landscape for a lovely pop of color that can also brighten up your summer meals.
Nutritional Information For Peppers
Nutritional Facts - per 100/g
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 20 | - |
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | - |
| Sodium | 3 mg | - |
| Potassium | 175 mg | - |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | - |
| Sugar | 2.4 g | - |
| Protein | 0.9 g | - |
| Vitamin C | - | 134% |
| Iron | - | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 | - | 10% |
| Magnesium | - | 2% |
| Calcium | - | 1% |
How to Grow Peppers in Your GardenSoxx®
Pepper seeds should be germinated indoors well before the last frost, as they can take up to 2 weeks to germinate. The seedlings should be well-established and hardened off before going into the soil, and should be moved outdoors into a sunny spot well after the risk of frost. For best results, set a small stake in the soil at planting time so that the pepper plant can have support as it grows. Once the peppers come in, they can weigh down the plant.
Peppers Seed to Harvest Time: 100-150 days
How to Harvest Peppers
Peppers should be harvested as they come to maturity - either when green and firm, or left on the plant until they turn red. Harvesting them regularly will encourage the plant to produce more. Cut them at the stem with a clean pair of scissors and refrigerate them for up to 10 days.
