Quick Reference:

Plant seed 1/8 to ¼ inch deep spaced 3/4 to 1 inch apart. Seed will not germinate when the soil temperature is below 55 degrees F. Optimum soil temperature is 75 to 80 degrees F. At that temperature seed will germinate in 7 to 14 days, but at lower temperatures can take up to 30 days. Plant seedlings in 1 gallon or larger pots for greenhouse production.

When and Where to Plant:

Peppers are a warm weather plant and this variety is a greenhouse variety in Alaska. Soil temperature is critical to germination. Pepper seed will not germinate when the soil is below 55 degrees F and prefers 75 to 80 degrees F. Start seed 6 to 8 weeks before the plants will be moved to the greenhouse. Fill containers that have drainage holes with sterilized soil that drains well, sprinkle seed on the surface, cover seed with fine soil and firm soil over seed. Water only lightly, peppers are one of the only vegetables that will germinate in low moisture soil. DO NOT over water seed container. When seedlings begin emerging move container to full sunlight because peppers do not respond well to artificial light. Apply a solution of liquid plant food every two weeks and keep the soil uniformly moist. When seedlings get their second set of leaves, 1 to 1 1/2 inches tall, transplant to individual plastic pots holding the plants by their leaves not their stems. When the night temperature in the greenhouse is above 50 degrees transplant the seedlings to 1 or 2 gallon pots and move the plants to the greenhouse for the season.

Care:

Keep soil uniformly moist and apply a liquid solution of plant food every two weeks. Tap plant stems when blossoms are fully open to assure pollination. Peppers are susceptible to aphids, keep a vigilant eye and control them before the infestation becomes severe.

Harvest:

Carefully cut or snap fruits from plants with a short piece of stem attached.