Pepper plant for sale – When buying a pepper plant for sale, choose a plant that is around 6 – 10 weeks old and without blooms. The best time to buy a pepper plant for sale is in the spring when the threat of frost has already passed. You will need a fertile, well-draining soil for this plant with a temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit and soil pH between 6.2 and 7.0. Peppers will not survive colder temperatures. You can warm up the soil by covering it with black plastic or mulch.
Place your new pepper plant in an area that receives full sun, at least 6 -8 hours of it a day. Partial shade can refuce the yield and lengthen the time required to produce and ripen fruits. Cages or stakes may also be needed to support your plants from strong winds and prevent bending due to its heavy crops. Allow 12 – 18 inches between multiple plants as crowding them too much will result to tall, spindly plants.
Water deeply after planting and give 1 – 2 inches of watering per week. Check your plants daily for the first week and irrigate at first sign of wilting. But if you live in a warm climate, watering everyday may be necessary. It will be easy if you follow a consistent schedule of deep watering in the morning during the growing season. Avoid frequent shallow watering because this will encourage shallow roots.
You can mix a continuous-release fertilizer in the soil at the time of planting. Feed your pepper plant after the first fruit set which is usually about 6 weeks after planting. You can spray the plant with a solution of 1 tablespoon Epsom salts in a gallon of water when it begins to bloom and again 10 days later for larger fruits. Remember that peppers are very sensitive to frost, so avoid cold exposure at all costs. You can cover them with gardening cloth or mulch with black plastic to warm the soil when the cooler seasons come. This will also help prevent weeds from growing around your plant.
You may harvest your peppers as soon as the fruits reached your desired size. Picking them up while they are still green will encourage more fruit production. For bell peppers, the longer they stay on the plant, the sweeter they become. This variety tastes better when they reach fist-size.
Do not pull the pepper when harvesting. Instead, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut them off the plant and leave a short stub of stem on the fruit. When picking and handling hot peppers, it is always a good idea to wear plastic gloves to avoid irritating your skin. Take caution not to touch your eyes, mouth or nose and wash your hands thoroughly after harvesting. Be sure to pick all peppers before the first fall frost comes. Your crops can be refrigerated in plastic bags for up to 10 days after harvesting or you can dry or pickle them for longer shelf life.
