Sweet Pepper: How to Grow Juicy Fruits and Avoid Mistakes

Sweet or bell pepper is a heat-loving crop that requires special attention to temperature and humidity. Unlike tomatoes, peppers have a long growing season and a very sensitive root system, making their placement in the garden a true art.

Temperature Control and Sunscald

Peppers adore warmth, but excessive heat can be fatal. It is crucial to find a balance between light and protection:

• Sunscald: When temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius, pepper fruits exposed to direct rays may develop white spots — these are burns. On such days, plants require light shading.
• Temperature Shock: Peppers stop growing if night temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. Use mulching to retain daytime heat in the soil throughout the night.

Secrets to Proper Watering

The root system of the pepper is located close to the surface, so it does not tolerate even short-term drought:

• Frequency: Watering should be regular and in small portions. If the pepper experiences a moisture deficit, it may drop its flowers and already formed ovaries.
• Water Quality: Like cucumbers, peppers strictly dislike cold water. Use only settled water at room temperature, watering exclusively at the root.

Compatibility and Smart Planning

Peppers are very picky about their neighbors. By using AgroPlanner, you can avoid mistakes when placing crops:

• Best Partners: Basil (improves fruit flavor and repels pests), tomatoes (have similar care requirements), and onions.
• Poor Neighbors: Do not plant fennel or beans near peppers, as they can inhibit growth. Also, avoid proximity to hot peppers to prevent cross-pollination, which can make sweet fruits spicy.

To obtain large fruits, it is important to remove the "crown" flower — the one that appears in the first branching of the stem. This encourages the plant to direct its energy toward developing the bush and forming many subsequent fruits.