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Growing Jupiter Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Sowing Jupiter pepper seeds indoors about eight weeks before the last expected frost is ideal. Jupiter peppers need a warm environment to germinate effectively. Plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep in a soil medium suitable for germination. Using a heat mat, maintain the soil temperature at about 80 F (27 C). Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to fungal issues like damping off. Provide plenty of light, either through a sunny window or a grow light, to help the seedlings grow strong and prevent them from becoming leggy.

Begin hardening off the pepper plants about a week before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun, as peppers thrive with a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Enrich the planting area with well-composted organic matter to nourish the plants and improve soil structure. Transplant the seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall and the nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 F (10 C). Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to give each plenty of room to flourish.

Water the plants deeply and consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to encourage strong root development. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or grass clippings, to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the plants with an organic vegetable fertilizer according to package directions, typically every four to six weeks. This will help support their vigorous growth and fruit production.

Although resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Jupiter peppers, like all garden plants, can attract pests. To manage these organically, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on common pests. Use floating row covers to protect the plants from early-season pests. If necessary, apply organic-approved pesticides like neem oil sparingly. Regularly check plants for signs of pests and diseases and act promptly to mitigate any issues.

Implement companion planting to enhance your Jupiter peppers' health and productivity naturally. Good companions include basil, which can repel pests and enhance flavor, and marigolds, which deter nematodes and other pests. Avoid planting peppers near beans and brassicas; these can inhibit each other's growth. Prune any leaves that touch the soil to prevent disease, and consider removing some of the lower branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Harvesting Jupiter Peppers

Jupiter peppers are typically ready to harvest about 66-79 days after transplanting. Although they can be harvested while green, they are most flavorful when they change to red, as they become sweeter and richer. Harvest the peppers by cutting them with scissors or a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant. These peppers are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, perfect for any dish requiring a sweet, robust pepper.

About Jupiter Pepper Garden Seeds

This stocky 30-inch plant produces delicious 4-lobed fruit maturing at 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches and a deep red color. The dense canopy protects the fruits from sunburn, making this variety perfect for sunnier areas.

The thick, sweet, red fruits are perfect for stuffing, grilling, slicing, stewing, and preserving. Use Jupiter peppers in any recipe calling for a sweet red bell pepper.

Known for its fruity sweet flavor, this beautiful bell is a culinary staple in restaurants and home kitchens worldwide. Sweet peppers can be eaten raw with vegetable dip, on fresh salads, stuffed with various fillings, and cooked. Bell peppers can also be dried and powdered for use as a spice in soups, stews, and sauces.

Higher in Vitamin C than an orange, sweet red bell peppers are a nutritious addition to balanced meals. Carotenoids, which are found in relatively high amounts in bell peppers, may contribute to eye health.

Although pepper plants are native to the tropical regions of South America and Mexico, the sweet bell pepper was developed in Hungary in the 1920s and then quickly caught on in the United States.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"I recommend harvesting as soon as you see fruits ready to be eaten. Regular removal encourages the plant to produce more fruit, extending your yield throughout the growing season."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Scoville Heat Scale

Jupiter Pepper Seeds Per Package:

• 500mg - Packet - Approximately 750 Seeds
• .25 oz - Packet - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds

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