Follow these six steps to get pepper plants to grow quickly and well:
Start with good pepper seeds or seedlings from a trusted nursery or garden center. Select types that fit your climate and growing circumstances.
1. Start with Quality Seeds or Seedlings
For best results, put pepper plants in broad sunshine. Give them 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Growing indoors? Put them near a south-facing window or use grow lights.
2. Provide Adequate Sunlight
Pepper seedlings need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Mix compost or aged manure with soil to promote fertility and drainage. Keep soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 for optimal growth.
3. Grow in Rich, Draining Soil
Maintain moist but not saturated soil. Water pepper plants deeply once or twice a week, weather permitting. Stop overhead watering to avoid fungal illnesses. Water plants at the base to promote deep rooting.
4. Water Regularly
Regularly fertilize pepper plants for healthy growth. Start with a nitrogen-rich balanced fertilizer for early foliage growth. Change to a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer after the plants start flowering to stimulate fruit growth.
5. Provide Nutrients
As pepper plants grow, cut side shoots (suckers) from leaf axils to promote vertical growth and air circulation. Support taller, fruit-laden plants with stakes or cages.