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Growing Big Red Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the final frost of spring. Prior to planting, prepare a growing medium. Opt for a seed-starting mix that is light and well-draining, as this will promote better germination and root development. A mix made specifically for germination or one such as our minute soil would be perfect. Fill your seed trays or small pots with the mix, slightly moistening the soil before sowing the seeds to create help the seeds stick.

Plant your Big Red pepper seeds about ¼ inch deep and 2-3 seeds per pot in the prepared soil. Cover them lightly with the mix and place the trays or pots in a location that receives lots of warmth and light. The ideal temperature for germination is around 80 F. If you're starting your seeds indoors, consider using a heat mat to maintain the necessary soil temperature. Cold soil will delay or halt germination. Covering your trays or pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome can help retain moisture and warmth, but be sure to remove it once germination occurs, which typically takes 7-14 days. Ensure the soil remains constantly moist but not waterlogged during this period.

After the seedlings emerge and develop their first true leaves (not the initial seed leaves, but the next pair that grows), it's time to thin them. Identify the strongest seedling in each pot or cell, removing the others to avoid overcrowding. Doing this might seem like a waste but it ensures that you grow the strongest plants possible. Continue to provide your seedlings with a minimum of 6-8 hours of light per day, supplementing with grow lights if natural sunlight is inadequate. This prevents the plants from becoming leggy and weak. However, do not leave the lights on for 24 hours. Gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by hardening them off. Gradually increase their exposure to the outside over a week or two. This step is essential for transitioning your plants from a controlled indoor environment to the variable outdoors.

Transplant your hardened-off Big Red pepper plants into your outdoor garden or larger pots once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil and space the plants 18-24 inches apart. Incorporating a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the soil at the time of planting will provide essential nutrients for growth. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, is vital for maintaining even soil moisture. Support your plants with stakes or cages to manage the weight of the fruit. As your Big Red peppers mature, check them regularly for pests and diseases, addressing any issues quickly to achieve a healthy and productive crop.

Harvesting Big Red Peppers

Big Red peppers will reach maturity around 75 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions. While they can be harvested green, Big Red peppers develop their full sweetness and a richer flavor as they turn red.When harvesting Big Red peppers, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Grasp the pepper gently and cut the stem about a half-inch above the fruit. Avoid pulling or twisting the peppers off, as this can cause branches to break or damage the plant, potentially affecting future yields.

About Big Red Pepper Garden Seeds

These bell pepper seeds make it easy to grow a culinary staple in your own backyard. After transplanting the bell pepper seedlings into the garden, the pepper plants will first produce white flowers before setting the fruit.

Although pepper plants are technically perennial plants, they are grown as annuals in the home garden and for market because most hardiness zones do not remain entirely frost-free or warm enough to overwinter these heat-loving plants.

While sweet bell peppers are botanically considered a fruit, they are used in recipes as a vegetable. Red bell peppers can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often chopped and used in fresh salads, sauteed with onions for use on sausage, and used as a topping on pizza. In addition, the primary ingredient in paprika is dried, powdered red bell pepper.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"One of my favorite afternoon snacks is slices of red bell pepper with hummus. Yum! So easy and delicious!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Scoville Heat Scale

Big Red Pepper Seeds Per Package:

• 300mg - Packet - Approximately 42 Seeds
• .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 64,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 320,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Big Red Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.