Optimal soil for peppers requires phosphorus and calcium. Prepare the bed with lime and compost three weeks ahead of transplanting. Add ½ cup of organic fertilizer per plant. Keep the soil consistently moist for robust growth. Space plants 30-60cm (12-24″) apart or use five-gallon containers with good drainage. Enhance temperature with plastic mulch and cloche. Pinch back tips to promote leaf growth, shading fruits and preventing sun-scald.

Harvest firm, desired-sized peppers, but remember that sweetness intensifies with ripening. Picking young/green peppers promotes continuous fruit production. Peppers set after late August may not develop or ripen. Before the first frost, uproot the entire bush and hang it upside down in a warm, dry area for hot peppers to ripen.

In optimal conditions at least 65% of seeds will germinate. Usual seed life: 2 years.

Timming.

Timing is crucial for pepper growth. Begin indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost date, using bright lights. Wait for consistently above 55°F (12°C) night temperatures to harden off and transplant outdoors. For germination, maintain soil temperature at 78-85°F (25-29°C). Expect sprouting within 10-21 days.