Peppers

Peppers can be intimidating to grow in the PNW, but they don’t have to be! Although they prefer warmer climates, with a few tips, peppers can thrive and produce a delicious bounty, adding that unique touch to your homemade salsas!

2023 Varieties

*These are varieties we often carry when in season. This is not a complete list and availability changes constantly. These are sold on a first come first serve basis, we are unable to hold vegetables but we can special order if you are interested in a full flat or more.

Hot:

Anaheim

Ancho

Cayanne

Cherry Bomb

Ghost

Greek Pepperocini

Habanero

Jalapeno

Jamaican Scotch Bonnet

Manzana

Padron

Serrano

Thai Hot

Sweet Banana

Sweet:

California Bell

Golden Wonder

Mandarin

Red Beauty

Growing and Planting

If starting peppers from seed they need to be started in February or March in a heated green house and on heating mats. For those who do not have the set up for seed starting, starts are readily available from the nursery typically starting in mid-April.

Transplanting:

Pepper starts started from seed or bought at the nursery should not be transplanted out into the garden until danger of frost has past and the night time temperatures stay above 55 degrees, that is usually around May 1st in the Willamette valley.

Pepper plants prefer to be in a warm spot in the garden with full sun, and well drained, fertile soil.

Plant peppers 18-36″ apart

Pinch off flowering buds or premature fruits on small starts, to encourage the plant to focus on root growth.This will result in a larger plant that produces more fruit.

Tips for success:

Select short season pepper varieties
Plant peppers in raised bed or mounds where the soil will heat up faster.
Cover the soil around the plants with black plastic to help the sun warm the soil.
Use season extenders to create a micro-climate particular for peppers. This can be done by covering the plant with a cloche, using a Wall O’ Water, or using a tomato cage wrapped with plastic.