Peppers

Peppers can range from very sweet to very hot. The hotter types are often called chiles or chile peppers.

If starting from seeds, plant in pots 6-12 weeks before desired transplant time, January - April. Pot up into larger pots as needed. Peppers germinate best if given some gentle bottom heat.
Don’t plant outside until soil is at least 55 degrees and night temperatures are regularly 50 degrees or more (generally in May).
Plant 12-15 inches apart.
For sweet peppers, pick off first blossoms and fruits to encourage more leaf and root growth, for at least 2 weeks and up to 6 weeks. Can double overall production.
For large fruited peppers, small ‘tomato’ cages or stakes will help the plant support the heavy load without breaking branches.

Need regular watering to make thick-walled, juicy peppers.
Pick at desired color: green, red, yellow, etc. Green peppers will ripen if left on the plant, usually to red, but there are other ripe colors available too.
The thick stems are firmly attached to the plants, so use a hand pruner when harvesting to prevent damaging the branches.

Pick at desired color, which depends on the variety being grown.
Hot chiles often snap off easily from the plant, don't usually require use of a hand pruner.

Excellent varieties for Santa Clara County: Spring Garden Market pepper varieties

Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County's Chile Head Sampler

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