How to Grow Peppers

Overview

Peppers need warmth and sunshine to thrive, making them ideal for greenhouses, polytunnels, or sheltered sunny patios. Both sweet bell peppers and chilli peppers can be grown successfully with a long growing season. Start early and provide consistent warmth for the best yields.

Health Benefits

Extremely high in Vitamin C: Red peppers contain more Vitamin C than oranges, weight for weight, supporting immune function, collagen production, and iron absorption.

Rich in beta-carotene: Especially in red and orange varieties, beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the body, supporting eye health and skin integrity.

Capsaicin in hot varieties: The compound that gives chillies their heat may help boost metabolism and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Soil Preparation

Use rich, well-drained compost with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 6.8. For container growing, mix multipurpose compost with perlite for drainage. Incorporate slow-release fertiliser at planting time. Peppers prefer lighter, warmer soils rather than heavy clay.

Sowing & Planting

Sow seeds indoors from late January to March at 21-25°C using a heated propagator. Germination can take 2-3 weeks. Pot on into 9cm pots when seedlings have two true leaves, and move to final 30cm pots or greenhouse borders in May. Space plants 45cm apart.

Care & Maintenance

Keep plants warm, ideally above 18°C. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser once flowers appear. Stake taller varieties to prevent wind damage. Pinch out the growing tip when plants reach 30cm to encourage branching and more fruit.

Harvesting

Harvest sweet peppers from July to October. Green peppers can be picked early, but leaving them to ripen to red, orange, or yellow gives a sweeter flavour. Cut the stem cleanly with secateurs rather than pulling the fruit.

Common Problems

Aphids can cluster on growing tips and under leaves. Spray with diluted washing-up liquid or introduce ladybirds.

Flower drop occurs when temperatures fluctuate too much or the plant is under stress. Maintain consistent warmth and watering.

Red spider mite thrives in hot, dry greenhouse conditions. Mist plants regularly and use biological controls.

Companion Planting

Peppers grow well alongside basil, tomatoes, and carrots, which help to attract beneficial insects. Avoid planting near fennel, which can inhibit pepper growth.