When to Plant and Harvest Hot Peppers? Detailed Guide to High-Yield Cultivation Methods

Hot pepper, also known as green pepper, is a plant of the Capsicum genus widely cultivated in most parts of our country. Because it can be used both as a vegetable and as a seasoning, it is deeply loved by people. Regular consumption can have the effects of stimulating the appetite and aiding digestion, and dispelling cold. So when are hot peppers planted? When are they harvested? How to plant them for high yield?

Planting time:

Early spring crop: sowing date mid-December to early February, transplanting early March to early April, harvest mid-April to mid-June. Overwintering crop: sowing date mid-May to mid-June, transplanting mid-August, harvest late October to late April.

Harvest time:

The first pepper and the pair of peppers should be harvested in time. Generally, when the fruit feels slightly firm when held in the hand, it can be harvested regardless of size. After harvesting, promptly remove old leaves and diseased leaves, and the yellow leaves at the lower part. Afterwards, as fruits are picked, promptly remove yellow leaves. This is beneficial to reproductive growth. After harvesting, strengthen the management of fertilizer and water so that the next yield will be good.

Planting techniques:

1. Land preparation and fertilization

Per mu of land, use 50kg of superphosphate, 50 jin of diammonium phosphate, 50 jin of potassium sulfate, and 15-20 m³ of farmyard manure, evenly broadcast on the greenhouse floor, then carry out a 30cm deep plowing, then rake the ground level and seal the greenhouse to sun the soil. After ten days, ventilate and prepare to make beds.

2. Transplanting

For transplanting, it is best to choose a sunny morning. When transplanting, water thoroughly with the transplanting water. After three days, promptly water with the seedling recovery water. After watering, wait 2 days and then do one root drenching, which can prevent diseases and promote root growth.

For the first 3 days after transplanting, the temperature is not high, so no ventilation is needed. After 3 days, ventilate slightly. When the seedlings are not large, in the early stage of seedling recovery, the temperature must not be lower than 28°C. After seedling recovery, ventilate and cool appropriately, which is beneficial for seedling restraint. In the morning, control the daytime temperature between 25-27°C, and in the afternoon control it between 22-25°C. In the first half of the night, control it between 22-23°C, and in the second half of the night, control it between 16-18°C, keeping the low temperature above 20°C.

3. Reasonable pruning

Peppers can generally be pruned to three stems or two stems. Whether to keep the first pepper can be decided according to the growth of the seedlings. If the plant grows well, it can be kept; if the plant grows weakly, it should be removed in time. In order to increase the leaf area in the early stage, 4 door-branch nodes can be kept, with 4 to 5 leaves above them. For three-stem pruning, hang the three main stems separately in different directions, which facilitates ventilation and air movement and promotes flowering and fruit setting. But whether three-stem pruning or two-stem pruning, side branches on the main stem can be kept. According to growth vigor, side branches can keep 1-2 flower buds, and above the buds keep 1-2 leaves and pinch off the growing tip. After the peppers have set, remove curved peppers and deformed peppers, and keep those of good quality.

4. Scientific topdressing and irrigation

When the plants are flowering and fruiting, promptly supplement foliar fertilizer, mainly nitrogen, phosphorus, and boron. After the first pepper has set, promptly apply fertilizer by flushing, mainly balanced fertilizers. A balanced type of Lubolai can be selected at 4-5kg per mu. When the fruits grow to about 3-6cm, supplement potassium fertilizer, such as high-potassium Lubolai at 4-5kg per mu or Xinshili 5kg. According to the growth of the plants, apply fertilizer appropriately and promptly, mainly organic fertilizer. For medium and robust plants, one barrel of Dashannong can be selected. When the plants are weaker, foliar spray can be applied with high-phosphorus, high-nitrogen, high-potassium foliar fertilizer. For flushing fertilizer, select crystalline diammonium at 4kg per mu. For calcium-deficient plants, a calcium-magnesium type of Lubolai can be selected at 5-6kg per mu. These fertilizers should be used alternately. During the full fruiting period, potassium fertilizer is the main type, and high-potassium Lubolai can be selected at 4-5kg per mu. After entering November, as the outside temperature drops, organic fertilizer can be used again. According to the growth of the plants, Nadoli No. 2 or protein liquid can be selected. After entering March, use diammonium phosphate combined with organic fertilizer for flushing. Never use large amounts of water for root irrigation in severe winter; irrigate frequently with small amounts of water, depending on the situation, generally once every 10 days or so.

5. Pest and disease control

Pepper seedlings are prone to viral diseases, and it is necessary to control aphids, whiteflies, and thrips. After transplanting, spray Amistar 2-3 times to prevent powdery mildew. After powdery mildew occurs, treat with Amistar and Infinito, spraying 2 times in succession. Throughout the whole growth period, attention should be paid to controlling aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and harmful mites.