Description
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
Spacing: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart
Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep
Sun & Soil Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours per day) and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0.
Indoors: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date.
Outdoors: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date and when the soil temperature has reached at least 60°F (16°C).
Germination Time: 7-14 days
Companion Planting: El Jefe peppers are known to benefit from the companionship of herbs such as basil and parsley, as well as vegetables like tomatoes and eggplant.
Watering Requirements: Water regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizer Requirements: Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season.
Pests: Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and pepper weevils. Practice good sanitation and remove any infected or damaged plants to prevent the spread of disease.
Timing: Start seeds indoors in early spring, and transplant outdoors after the last frost date.
Growing: El Jefe peppers grow best in warm temperatures and need consistent moisture. Pinch back the tops of young plants to encourage bushier growth and a higher yield.
Harvest Tips: Harvest the peppers when they are red and fully mature, usually around 70-80 days after transplanting.
Season Tolerance: El Jefe peppers are a warm-weather crop and are not frost tolerant. They prefer hot and dry weather conditions to cool and wet ones.
