Soft pepper from Spain - organic seeds

Spanish Sweet Pepper – Growing Tips

This early to mid-season, highly productive variety produces large, elongated, and fleshy fruits that turn red when ripe. They can be eaten both unripe (green) and fully ripe. The fruits grow to about 15 cm in length and 10 cm in width.

Sowing Peppers

Start seeds indoors in February-March at a constant temperature of at least 23-24°C.

Create a warm and humid environment with sufficient light and regular watering. Some pepper varieties require more heat to germinate than others. If germination is slow, increasing the temperature to above 25°C may help.

Once the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them into pots. After the last frost, plant them in the ground, preferably in a sheltered location. Just like tomatoes, you can bury the stem slightly to encourage stronger root growth.

In cooler regions, such as north of the Loire, peppers grow best in a greenhouse. However, they can also be grown outdoors in a warm, sunny, and well-ventilated spot, such as against a wall.

Caring for Peppers

Peppers thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Adding compost or well-rotted manure improves soil fertility.

To prevent drought stress, water regularly and evenly. Prolonged dry spells can negatively impact fruit development and quality.

In cooler regions, prune the main stem after the plant has produced about ten fruits. This helps concentrate energy on existing fruits rather than new ones. For side shoots bearing fruits, prune two leaves beyond the last fruit.

Some varieties grow quite tall and require support.

During the growing season, peppers benefit from additional feeding with organic fertilizers or foliar sprays such as diluted nettle manure (e.g., PurMel 3).

Preventing Diseases

Peppers are susceptible to powdery mildew, a common fungal disease. To prevent it:
✔ Rotate crops regularly to maintain healthy soil.
✔ Water carefully, avoiding wetting the leaves.
✔ Ensure sufficient spacing for good air circulation.
✔ Strengthen plants with nettle manure or horsetail decoction.
✔ Use seaweed powder as a natural preventative treatment.

Harvesting Peppers

Harvesting takes place from July to October, about 5-6 months after sowing. Green peppers can be picked early, but they are fully ripe when they reach their final size. Orange and red peppers should be harvested only when fully colored for optimal flavor and texture.