Jimmy Nardello's Sweet Italian Pepper

Peppers perform best in well-drained soil that contains plenty of organic matter and adequate phosphorous and calcium. Mulching plants with poly, paper, or natural materials will ensure consistent moisture throughout the root zone.

For earliest harvest, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 1/4" deep in well moistened, sterile seed-starting mix. The ideal temperature for pepper seed germination is 85 degrees. For best results, place a grower's heat mat beneath trays until germination has occurred. Under ideal conditions, germination should occur in 10-14 days.

After danger of frost has passed, set transplants 18-24" apart in rows 24-36" apart. Ensure that plants receive 1-2" of water per week. Avoid over-application of nitrogen as this can cause vegetative growth at the expense of fruit set.

Insect Pests

Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effective in controlling climbing cutworms. Aphids, flea beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.

Diseases & Other Problems

To prevent common pepper diseases like Phytopthora and bacterial spot, avoid watering plants at night or on cool, cloudy days. Excess nitrogen and/or insufficient phosphorous can cause pepper plants to become bushy and produce few blossoms.

Peppers can be harvested at any time, but should be picked before they become soft or overly mature. Harvesting regularly will encourage further fruit set. Peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Select disease-free plants that are true-to-type. Pepper plants are prone to cross pollination by bees, so precautions should be taken to prevent pollination by insects. Covering plants with mosquito netting is an effective method to protect against pollen contamination.

HARVESTING SEED:

Harvest mature, disease-free fruit that have developed their final color. Cut open fruit and use a gloved hand to remove the seed. Dry on a coffee filter or paper towel. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Pepper seeds will remain viable for three years when stored under ideal conditions.