Key Techniques for Raising Sweet Pepper and Chili Pepper Seedlings in Summer and Autumn

I. Variety selection. Sweet (hot) pepper varieties such as Zhongjiao No. 6, Zhongjiao No. 13, Zhongjiao No. 16, and Zhongjiao No. 12.

II. Seedbed preparation. (1) Nutrient soil mixing: The nutrient soil should have complete nutrients, moderate acidity and alkalinity, be loose and permeable, have strong water-holding capacity, and be free of pathogens, insect eggs, and weed seeds. The mixing ratio is 5 parts field soil to 5 parts decomposed organic fertilizer, and 1-1.5 kg of compound fertilizer can be added per cubic meter of nutrient soil. (2) Soil disinfection: For liquid chemical disinfection, use zineb or carbendazim at 200-400 times dilution. Apply 10 g of the chemical per square meter of bed surface, mix with water to make 2-4 kg of solution, and spray it on. (3) Seedbed preparation: The seedbed surface width is 0.8-1.2 m, the furrow width is 30-40 cm, the furrow depth is 20-30 cm, and the thickness is 6-8 cm.

III. Seed treatment and sowing. (1) Before sowing, first soak the seeds in clean water for 5-6 hours, then soak them in a 1% copper sulfate solution for 5 minutes. After removing them, rinse them clean with water, mix in some plant ash to neutralize the acidity, and they are ready for sowing. (2) The sowing rate is about 50 g per mu, and 8-10 g of seeds are broadcast per square meter of seedbed. After sowing, spread about 1 cm of nutrient soil over the seeds and cover the seedbed tightly with film.

IV. Management before planting. (1) 2-7 days before transplanting, apply 1 round of fertilizer water and spray pesticide to prevent disease. Strong seedlings should have short, thick stems, compact internodes, thick and dark green leaves, many fibrous roots with white root color, and should quickly extend new leaves after transplanting. (2) When the seedlings grow to 4 true leaves, carry out seedling separation and transplant with a small amount of soil. The planting spacing is 10 cm x 7 cm. Plant shallowly, with the cotyledons exposed above the ground, and water appropriately after planting.