Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

Seed Spacing: 18–24 inches

Row Spacing: 24–36 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 70–75 days

Growth Habit: Upright, bushy annual

Sunlight: Requires full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Enrich soil with compost or organic matter before planting.

When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 65°F.

Direct Sowing: Not recommended; peppers grow best when started indoors.

Indoor Sowing: Plant seeds in trays 1/4 inch deep. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 4–6 inches tall and nighttime temperatures are above 50°F.

Succession Planting: Stagger plantings for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting and during flowering and fruiting stages. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage over fruit production.

Pruning: Remove any yellowing leaves and thin overcrowded foliage to improve airflow and light penetration.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, and blossom-end rot. Use organic pest treatments and ensure consistent watering to prevent issues.

When to Harvest: Harvest when peppers are firm, glossy, and fully green, typically 70–75 days after transplanting. Peppers will turn red if left to ripen further on the plant.

How to Harvest: Use scissors or pruning shears to cut peppers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.

Seed Collection: Allow peppers to fully ripen and turn red on the plant before collecting seeds. Remove seeds and dry thoroughly.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.