Description
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Family: Solanaceae (nightshade family)
Spacing: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart
Depth: 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep
Sun & Soil Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil with pH between 6.2-7.0
Indoors: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last expected frost. Keep soil temperature at 80-85°F (27-29°C) until germination, then reduce to 70-75°F (21-24°C). Seedlings should be ready to transplant after 6-8 weeks.
Outdoors: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost, when soil temperatures have warmed up to at least 60°F (16°C).
Germination Time: 7-14 days
Companion Planting: Good companions include beans, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, onions, peas, spinach, and tomatoes. Avoid planting with Brassicas (e.g. broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) and fennel.
Watering Requirements: Regular, even watering; do not overwater or let soil dry out completely.
Fertilizer Requirements: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) at planting time, and again 4-6 weeks later. Side-dress with compost or aged manure after plants have started producing fruit.
Pests: Common pests include aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites. Use row covers or insecticidal soap to control pests.
Timing: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last expected frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost.
Growing: Pinch off the first few blossoms on each plant to promote bushier growth. Provide support (e.g. staking or cages) for plants as they grow. Harvest fruit when mature, firm, and fully colored.
Harvest Tips: Fruit can be harvested when green or allowed to ripen to red. To make paprika, dry fruit in a warm, dry place until completely dry, then grind into a powder.
Season Tolerance: Warm season crop; intolerant of frost.
