Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Growing Organic Cheese Red Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

For gardeners leaning towards organic practices, initiating bell pepper seeds indoors is a fundamental step, best done roughly two months before the final frost of spring. This approach focuses on more than just beating the clock on the growing season; it zeroes in on creating the ideal soil conditions. Bell peppers flourish in environments that are both warm and moist, conditions effortlessly achieved with an indoor seed starting setup. Choose an eco-friendly seed starting tray, like our reusable 12-cell kit, and fill it with organic germination mix. Steer clear of using soil straight from your garden, as it might not meet the specific needs of indoor seed germination. Plant 2-3 bell pepper seeds per cell, lightly covering them with soil so they're about a quarter-inch deep. For the next few weeks, your mission is to keep the soil evenly warm and moist, avoiding overwatering.

Light is another critical factor for your seedlings once they emerge. Offering 8 to 12 hours of sunlight daily can be done through the use of grow lights or positioning them near a south-facing window. Organic gardening aficionados will appreciate grow lights for their ability to deliver consistent, controllable light, which helps prevent seedlings from becoming too leggy. In cooler climates, an organic heating mat can help maintain ideal soil temperatures, especially since bell pepper seedlings don't fare well in the cold.

As your seedlings begin to sprout their second or third set of leaves, thin them by choosing only the most vigorous seedling in each cell to continue growing. This is also the time to ensure they continue receiving adequate warmth, light, and moisture. About a month into their growth, let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to encourage stronger root development. Then, start the hardening off process by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions, which helps minimize transplant shock. Ensure they're watered regularly and protected from cold night temperatures below 55°F. Any early blooms should be pinched off to encourage more robust growth.

When preparing for outdoor transplantation, enrich your garden bed or containers with organic soil, avoiding areas previously used by peppers, tomatoes, or potatoes to prevent disease and nutrient depletion. Amend your soil with organic compost, coconut coir, or perlite to enhance moisture retention and soil health. Transplant when the risk of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F. Space your seedlings properly, incorporating a natural calcium supplement to each planting hole to avert blossom end rot. Topping the soil with organic mulch not only conserves moisture and warmth but also naturally suppresses weeds.

Providing organic structural support with stakes or cages encourages healthy growth and fruit production. Regular watering, coupled with vigilant inspection for pests and diseases, keeps your plants thriving in an organic garden. Pruning is optional in organic pepper cultivation but doing so can stimulate an expedited last harvest before fall frost. Always use sterilized, sharp shears for any cuts to prevent disease transmission.

Harvesting Cheese Red Organic Peppers

Cheese Red pimento peppers can be harvested at any ripeness stage but are at their peak maturity when fully scarlet red. This usually takes around 80 days. Hold the pepper in one hand and snip off the stem 1-2 inches above the pepper with your dominant hand.

About Organic Cheese Red Pepper Garden Seeds

Discover the delectable Cheese Red, an organic pimento-style pepper known for its thick, rich red flesh and irresistibly sweet, candy-like flavor. Perfect for those who cherish a sweet pepper with a satisfying crunch, Cheese Red peppers measure about 3 inches in length, making them an excellent choice for stuffing or enjoying fresh.

Belonging to a unique category, Cheese peppers draw their name from their resemblance to the compact, puck-like shape of traditional cheese wheels, often bringing to mind the charming appearance of quaint, waxed cheeses.

Cheese Red peppers are celebrated for their sweet, aromatic qualities that surpass those of standard bell peppers. Their thick flesh not only makes them perfect for stuffing and baking but also contributes a vibrant burst of color and rich flavor to any dish.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"These seeds were harvested from organically grown plants, but in order to yield organic produce, they must also be grown organically! Avoid pesticides of any kind and nourish the plants with organic compost or fertilizer options to get the ‘cleanest’ peppers possible."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Scoville Heat Scale

Organic Cheese Red Pepper Seeds Per Package:

• 300mg - Packet- Approximately 50 Seeds
• .25 oz - Wholesale - 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 Organic Cheese Red Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.