Hot pepper seeds

1. Variety selection

When choosing a hot pepper variety, consider the following factors:

• Growing area. Depending on the climate zone, varieties with different ripening periods are selected.
• Purpose of cultivation. For fresh consumption, varieties with a milder taste are selected, and for canning and preparing hot sauces, varieties with a sharper taste are selected.
• Shape and size of fruits. Select varieties with fruits of the desired shape and size.

2. Soil preparation

Hot pepper is a heat-loving crop, so well-warmed areas on the south side are chosen for its cultivation. The soil should be fertile, loose and neutral acidity.
In autumn, the site is dug up to a depth of 25-30 cm and organic fertilizers (manure, compost, humus) are applied at the rate of 5-6 kg per 1 m². In spring, the soil is leveled and furrows 2-3 cm deep are made.

3. Sowing seeds

Hot pepper seeds are sown in open ground in late May - early June, when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches +10-12 °C.
Seeds are sown in furrows in rows with a distance between them of 25-30 cm. Seeds are planted in the soil to a depth of 1-2 cm.

4. Plant care

Hot peppers are a moisture-loving crop, so they need to be watered regularly. Water the plants 2-3 times a week, using 10-15 liters of water per 1 m².
During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
The following fertilizers are used for fertilizing:
- Nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea) - promote the growth of leaves and stems.
- Phosphorus fertilizers (superphosphate, double superphosphate) - promote the development of the root system and flowering.
- Potassium fertilizers (potassium chloride, potassium magnesium) - promote fruit development.
Weeding is carried out to control weeds. To protect against pests and diseases, plants are sprayed with special preparations.

5. Harvest

Hot peppers are harvested depending on the variety. Early varieties of hot peppers are ready for harvesting 70-80 days after sowing, medium varieties - after 80-90 days, late varieties - after 90-100 days.
Signs of fruit ripeness:
- Change in fruit color
- In varieties with red fruits they become bright red, in varieties with yellow fruits they become bright yellow
- Dry stalk
Ripe fruits are cut off with a stalk 5-10 cm long. Hot peppers are stored in a cool place.

Some tips for growing hot peppers

- To obtain an earlier harvest, hot peppers can be grown as seedlings. Seeds are sown in pots or boxes in late April - early May. Seedlings are planted in open ground in late May - early June, when the threat of frost has passed.
- To increase productivity, hot peppers can be grown on a compost heap. The compost heap warms up faster than the soil, so seeds can be sown as early as early May.
- To protect hot peppers from pests and diseases, they can be planted next to marigolds, calendula or nasturtium. These plants repel insect pests.
If you follow the agricultural techniques for growing hot peppers, you can get a good harvest of this tasty and healthy crop.