Whether mild or hot: peppers need more than heat, water, air and soil. In order for them to grow luxuriantly, they need to be fertilized every now and then. When, with what and how often should you fertilize peppers?

In general, peppers grow much more slowly than tomatoes, even with tried-and-tested care measures. Only rising spring temperatures promote the longed-for growth spurt. Provided they get enough water and nutrients. Because peppers need food in the form of fertilizer so that they can fully develop their spicy aroma by the time they are harvested. Either a single dose of slow release fertilizer at planting or regular fertilizing during the growing seasons with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for:

  • healthy root growth
  • lush leaf growth
  • Capsaicin production in fruits
  • more fruiting

Fertilize peppers when planting

The best opportunity to incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil is mid-May. When the peppers are planted in the prepared location in the garden or greenhouse after they have been grown. Thorough incorporation of compost with additional algae extract ensures the necessary basic supply of nutrients, humus and rapid rooting.

Depot or long-term fertilizers coated with a synthetic resin cover are a bit more expensive but also more convenient. They release all the nutrients in optimal doses over the entire growing season.

Fertilize peppers as they grow

Foliar fertilization with self-made nettle broth supports the peppers with minerals during their growth period and protects them from dangerous pests and typical diseases. Simply spray the pepper leaves all over with nettle broth.

Peppers fertilize during flowering

When fertilizing during the flowering period: little nitrogen but plenty of minerals such as magnesium and trace elements. In addition, loosen the soil and work in some rock flour (€14.13). After a short time you should see the positive effect of lush fruiting. At the same time, the next generation of flowers begins and new fruits form. The reward for the work: an infinite number of garden-fresh peppers. NO WRONG! Botanically, peppers are not pods, but berries! The logical answer to the question: are peppers a fruit or a vegetable?

Fertilize less is more

If you give too much fertilizer before fruiting, you will get bushy plants with lush leaves but little fruit. Note the fertilizer information on the seed bag for both the hot peppers and the different types of sweet peppers.

tips and tricks

Costs nothing and has a double effect: Use the full moon with the waning phase of the moon in the constellations of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn for root development, leaf development, blossom and fruit formation.

Category:

Vegetable garden