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Growing Organic Chinese Giant Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
Begin your peppers in the early spring, about 8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This head start is important for peppers since they need a long, warm growing season to thrive. Start by filling small pots or a seed-starting tray with an organic, moist, well-draining seed-starting medium. Plant the seeds about a quarter inch deep, gently cover them with soil, and water them lightly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pots in a warm, bright spot. A temperature of about 70-85 F is ideal for germination, which should occur in 1-3 weeks. If you're struggling to keep things warm, consider using a heat mat under your pots.
Once your seedlings have sprouted, they will need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. When they have at least two sets of true leaves, they’re ready to be hardened off. This process involves gradually exposing the seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week to prevent shock. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil, as peppers need full sun in order to thrive. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart in 2-3 ft spaced rows to give them room to grow and ensure good air circulation.
Watering is key to keeping your peppers happy. Aim for consistent moisture, especially as fruits start to form. However, be careful not to overwater, as standing water can lead to root rot. Using an organic, untreated mulch around the plants will help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Optionally, when the plants are about a foot tall, prune off the top set of leaves to encourage the plant to grow wider and bushier, hopefully leading to more peppers.
Peppers do well when planted near organic basil, oregano, parsley, marigolds and carrots. These companions can help deter pests naturally and may even improve the flavor of your peppers. However, keep them away from fennel and kohlrabi, which can inhibit their growth. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites. A strong spray of water can dislodge many pests. Insecticidal soaps are effective, safe options for preventing infestations. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs can also help control pest populations.
Peppers are warm-season plants and thrive in temperatures between 70-85 F. If temperatures exceed 90 F for several days, the plants may drop their blossoms and not produce fruit. In such cases, providing some afternoon shade can preserve them. As your plants grow, they might need support to keep them upright, especially as the fruits get larger. Stake each plant or use a tomato cage to provide support.
Harvesting Organic Chinese Giant Peppers
The perfect time to harvest Chinese Giant Bell peppers is typically 70 to 80 days post-transplantation. The ultimate harvest indicator? Their impressive size and vivid coloration. Your peppers are primed for picking at 5-6 inches long and showcasing a deep, vibrant hue. For those who love a crisper bite and a robust, vegetal flavor, harvesting while green is ideal. Yet, many opt to wait until they turn red and sweet.
To harvest your peppers, use a sharp pair of gardening scissors or a knife. Gently hold the pepper in one hand and cut through the stem about half an inch above the top of the pepper. It’s important to cut the pepper rather than pull it; yanking can damage the plant.
About Chinese Giant Organic Pepper Garden Seeds
With no heat to speak of, these Chinese Giant peppers are sweet and incredibly large, maturing at around 6 inches tall and 4-5 inches wide. This variety has medium-thick skin. The dark green peppers mature into a cherry red color.
Pepper plants are versatile in that they can easily be grown in containers, garden beds, raised beds, greenhouses, and even indoors. As long as they get the nutrients, warmth, sun, and water they need, they can thrive! Be sure to provide a minimum of 5 gallons of soil per plant, equalling at least 14 inches deep in order to accommodate the roots.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Peppers can have a continual harvest, so don’t forget about your plants once you get a few peppers! Keep fertilizing and watering up until the frost."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Organic Chinese Giant Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg - Packet- Approximately 35 Seeds
- .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Organic Chinese Giant Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.