Sweet pepper Doe Hill - organic seeds

Pepper Doe Hill – An Heirloom Variety from Virginia

The Doe Hill pepper is a very old variety, originating from the state of Virginia, USA. It ripens early and produces round fruits with thick, crisp, and sweet flesh in an orange-yellow color. The plant has a compact growth habit, reaching about 40 cm in height, and is well-suited for outdoor cultivation.

Growing Tips for Pepper Doe Hill

Sowing

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

Maintain a warm, humid environment with sufficient light and regular watering. Some pepper varieties require extra warmth for germination; if seeds do not sprout, increasing the temperature above 25°C may help.

Once seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them into pots. Eventually, move them to the open ground (preferably in a sheltered spot) after the last frost. Like tomatoes, burying the stem up to the first leaf encourages root development.

In regions north of the Loire, growing peppers in a greenhouse is ideal. However, outdoor cultivation is possible if summers are warm and not too humid. Choose a sunny, well-ventilated spot along a wall.

Cultivation

Peppers require well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted manure enhances soil fertility.

Ensure consistent moisture levels by watering regularly and evenly. Avoid prolonged drought, as this can impact fruit growth and quality.

In northern regions, pruning the main stem above the last fruit when the plant carries energy on ripening existing fruits rather than producing new ones. Pinch side shoots with fruit to two leaves after the last fruit to encourage better growth.

Provide support for varieties that grow tall, as some may require staking.

During the growing season, feed plants with organic fertilizers or foliar sprays, such as diluted nettle manure (e.g., PurMel 3).

Diseases

Powdery mildew is one of the main threats to pepper cultivation.

To prevent mildew, take the following precautions:

• Practice good crop rotation to maintain healthy, balanced soil.
• Be careful when watering to avoid wetting the leaves.
• Ensure sufficient spacing between plants to promote good air circulation.
• Regularly spray with nettle manure or horsetail decoction to strengthen the plants against fungal diseases.
• Seaweed powders can also be used as a preventive measure.

Harvesting

Peppers can be harvested from July to October, approximately 5-6 months after sowing. Green peppers can be picked during their growth, but they are fully ripe only when they stop getting larger. Orange and red peppers should be harvested when they reach full maturity.