Bell Peppers
September 16, 2017
My bell peppers (in pots) have had a large brown spot on the bottom. The tops are
fine to eat and okay. What is causing this?
Peppers can suffer from blossom end rot, just like tomatoes, although we don't see it as often. Blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency caused by fluctuating water levels--which we have seen. Try to keep the pots evenly watered and just cut off the damage until it clears up.
October 2007
My pepper plants had lots of leaves but few blooms. What do I add for more blooms
for next growing season?
Two things to check. First make sure you have ample sunlight. Peppers need a minimum
of six to eight weeks of sunlight in order to bloom and set fruit. Peppers are also
heavy feeders once they start to set fruit. Using a lot of nitrogen and organic matter
early in the season sometimes can lead to excessive vegetative growth and not enough
fruit set. Check your fertilization rates, get your soil tested and monitor the sunlight.
July 2006
Is it possible to grow bell peppers as large as those found in the grocery store?
My wife keeps picking them well before they get huge, and I want the big ones.
While it is possible to grow large bell peppers in a home garden, but it isn't easy.
Peppers need high nutrition and plenty of water. Fertilize them regularly throughout
the growing season. Once your peppers begin turning a dull color, or changing from
bright green to red, growth has stopped regardless of your care, and you may as well
pick them, unless you want red peppers. But there is hope; peppers can produce up
until frost, so keep up with their care. There is also some varietal difference as
to eventual mature size.