Peppers have a lot going for them. They offer something for everyone: spicy, sweet or hot, and come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, plus the spicy ones can liven up bland food, making it more satisfying.They’re low in calories and are loaded with good nutrition, specifically two great antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin A.
California Wonder Peppers are your typical bell peppers that when green are fully developed and ripe. Peppers are like tomatoes in that they will continue to ripen after being picked. Placing unripe peppers in a paper bag will help speed up the ripening process.They are better when ripened naturally on the plant, but will still be delicious if ripened indoors.
The popular green and red bell peppers that we see in supermarkets are actually the same thing; the red peppers have just been allowed to mature on the plant longer, changing color and also gaining a higher content of Vitamin C. The additional time it takes to ripen and change colors accounts for part of the reason why they are more expensive to purchase.
Giant Marconi Peppers are a variety of sweet pepper that ripens from green to red and is good to use in cooking dishes. They are a low maintenance plant which requires moderate watering. Keeping the ripe peppers picked will help the plant continue producing well into the fall.
Cayenne peppers are a moderately hot chili pepper used to flavor dishes. They are long, skinny and mostly red in color, often with a curved tip and rippled skin. Note that hot peppers tend to be hotter when they have less water and fertilizer, so if you don’t like a super zesty pepper, keep it well watered and fertilized.
Jalapeno peppers – growing jalapeno peppers isn’t difficult if you provide plants with good soil, plenty of sunlight and ample water. Keep plants well spaced when transplanting to allow for air circulation and keep ground debris at a minimum to avoid pests from settling in. Jalapeno peppers thrive in warm, even hot temperatures, but to do so be sure to keep the plants well watered during hot spells, as they may drop their flowers before bearing fruit if they don’t receive the water they need. These peppers are most commonly used in sauces and salsas.
Golden Summer Peppers – are a sweet pepper that is normally fairly low maintenance and quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of their soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant. Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Once fully mature these peppers have an outstanding sweet, mild flavor.
Make sure to harden off your pepper seedlings 6-7 days before transplanting them in your garden – waiting until all signs of frost have disappeared. If necessary, support plants with cages or stakes to prevent bending. Peppers can resist most garden pests, but are heat sensitive, so make sure to water accordingly and before you know it, you will be enjoying the sweet or spicy flavor of these delicious fruits!