Pepper Growing Guide

Planting Peppers

This chart provides a comprehensive guide to growing peppers, covering key factors like temperature, sunlight, water requirements, soil pH, and growing zones.

Tip: Use our zone chart map to find your zone & when to plant.

Whether sweet or hot, peppers are a flavorful and versatile crop that thrives in full sun and warm weather. However, they can be sensitive to temperature changes, requiring careful attention to planting time, watering, and heat management. With the proper care, peppers will reward you with a steady supply of fresh, vibrant fruit.

Planting & Temperature Considerations

Peppers are warm-weather crops and should not be planted too early. Cold temperatures (below 60°F at night) can stunt growth, while excessive heat (above 75°F at night) can reduce fruit production.

Use the black side of the EarthBox mulch cover to speed up soil warming, but be mindful of overheating in hotter climates. If extreme heat becomes an issue, consider providing partial shade to protect plants from stress and sun scald.

Watering & Fertilizing Your Pepper Plants

Peppers need a steady water supply to develop correctly. Check moisture levels daily, as irregular watering can lead to blossom end rot, a common issue in peppers. You can prevent this condition by ensuring consistent watering and proper calcium levels. We also recommend using our Tomato & Veggie Boost supplement, which helps prevent BER.

Feed plants with a balanced 7-7-7 fertilizer throughout the growing season for best results.

Pest & Disease Management

While peppers are relatively low-maintenance, they can still fall victim to pests and diseases.

Common Pests: Watch for aphids and flea beetles, which can damage foliage and stunt growth. Use our insect identifier to determine what critters are attacking your peppers.
Diseases & Disorders: Peppers are susceptible to mosaic virus, blossom end rot, and sun scald. Monitoring and preventive care will help minimize these risks. Learn about these and more on our page about common plant problems.

Harvesting & Usage of Peppers

Peppers can be harvested at different stages depending on flavor preference—green for a crisp, slightly bitter taste or fully ripened for a sweeter, more complex flavor.

Sweet peppers can be eaten raw, roasted, sautéed, or used in stews, soups, and stir-fries.
Hot peppers are great for pickling, drying, grinding into spices, or adding to dishes for extra heat.

Recommended Planter Box

Use the EarthBox Original container gardening system for optimal growth and ease of care. It helps maintain moisture balance and nutrient levels.

With proper care, peppers will provide a flavorful and rewarding harvest all season!