01 · Timing

When and how to begin

Start indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost and provide warmth during germination.

02 · Growing sequence

See the crop change before it happens.

Illustrated growth sequence for pepper, from establishment through mature harvest.
  1. 01Use a warm seed-starting location.
  2. 02Transplant after cold nights have passed.
  3. 03Keep plants evenly moist without saturating the soil.
  4. 04Support heavily loaded branches before they bend.

03 · Below the surface

Give the roots their working volume.

Planting geometryDepth, roots, and final space
14–20 in final spacing
¼ in

Compact but substantial roots perform best in warm, well-drained soil that does not swing between saturated and dry.

04 · Harvest

Know when it is ready

Visual decisionRead the plant, not only the date
Illustrated growth sequence for pepper, from establishment through mature harvest.
Not yet

Still developing

Illustrated growth sequence for pepper, from establishment through mature harvest.
Ready

Harvest green or allow fruit to reach its mature color for a sweeter, fuller flavor.

Illustrated growth sequence for pepper, from establishment through mature harvest.
Past prime

Quality or vigor may decline when harvest is delayed beyond the intended stage.

05 · Common trouble

Inspect before you treat

Close botanical observation of flowers dropping, presented as a visual symptom rather than a diagnosis.
Flowers droppingCompare observations →
Close botanical observation of sunscald, presented as a visual symptom rather than a diagnosis.
SunscaldCompare observations →
SunscaldAphidsBlossom drop

Symptoms can share several causes. Check moisture, recent weather, and the complete plant before applying a treatment.

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