Orange Sun & Jupiter

STARTING SEEDLINGS

In early spring, start indoors about 2 months before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C) range. Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 80-85°F (27-30°C).

Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Plant out 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

GROWING NOTES

Don’t plant peppers outdoors until night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C). Prepare soil with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots. Mulch plants to maintain even soil moisture. Stake or cage your pepper plants to support their heavy fruit set.

HARVEST AND USE

Ready to pick in late summer, pepper fruits start out green and ripen up to rich red, or orange, depending upon variety. Edible at any stage, glossy, fully colored fruits have the best flavor and are high in vitamins A and C. Carefully cut rather than pull peppers from plants. Enjoy sliced up raw, sautéed, stir fried or grilled.