The Stages of Pepper Plants

Peppers thrive in warm temperatures and may be used as spices, in food or as ornamental plants. Varieties include bell, cayenne, jalapeno, sweet banana and red chili peppers. Peppers grow best in well-drained, fertile soil and are sensitive to cold, so always plant them well after the last frost of the year.

Germinate pepper seeds relatively easily in the right conditions. According to the University of Illinois Extension, start pepper seeds indoors in late winter and transplant them in the spring. Seeds can take anywhere from few days to a few weeks to germinate. Once they have emerged, seedlings need plenty of sunlight and should be placed in a south-facing window or under grow lights. When plants have at least three to five sets of true leaves, transplant them to the garden or a larger container.

Plants continue to develop leaves until the flowering phase, when the peppers become extra sensitive to temperature. If your peppers seem to grow new foliage without blooming, or if flowers drop off without producing fruit, it might be extreme heat or dry, hot wind. In ideal temperatures, the flowers will drop off and reveal a small green pepper bud, which may be barely noticeable at first. Pay close attention to soil at this point, since extra watering may be needed to support the emerging peppers. Avoid handling the peppers until they are fully grown.

Exact harvesting recommendations vary by pepper type. Green bell peppers, for example, are usually harvested when they are 3 to 4 inches long with a firm, bright green exterior. Although the peppers are easily pulled off by hand when ripe, you should use clippers, pruners or garden scissors to remove peppers from the plant, since breaking them by hand may cause damage. Wear gloves if you are handling hot peppers, since the juices may cause skin irritation. Store peppers in a cool, moist place for up to two weeks.