Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Peppers perform best in fertile, well-draining soil at pH 6.0–6.8. Incorporate 5cm of compost and a balanced fertiliser (10-10-10) at 150g per square metre before transplanting. Set plants 45–60cm apart in rows 60–75cm apart. Plant at nursery pot depth — unlike tomatoes, burying the stem does not benefit peppers. Soil temperature must exceed 18°C at transplant time; cold soil stresses roots and delays establishment significantly. Water moderately — 2.5cm per week — allowing the top 3cm to dry between waterings. Peppers are more drought-tolerant than tomatoes but blossom drop increases with both water stress and overwatering. Mulch heavily to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Begin feeding with a balanced fertiliser at transplant; once flowers appear, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium feed (5-10-10). Avoid excess nitrogen — it produces dense foliage but delays and reduces fruiting. Stake taller varieties at planting.
