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How to grow: Peppers/chiles
Pest management: Pepper cultural tips, pests, and diseases
The Basics
When to plant
- Transplant: May–June, possibly late April
- For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 75°F
- Start in pots for transplants: February–April; ready to transplant in 8 weeks
Harvest window: Pick pods at the right color for each variety. Some are best eaten green, others have more flavor when pods are red, orange or yellow.
Care overview: Growing Great Peppers and Chiles
Videos
- How to Stake Pepper Plants [1:59]
- 17 Chile Varieties You Can Grow [7:20]
- You Can Grow Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Chiles [5:09]
- Growing Tomatoes and Peppers Successfully [1:29:28]
Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
Sweet peppers: Carmen, Corno di Toro (red and yellow), Marconi (red and yellow), Romanian Gogosari
Mild peppers/chiles: NuMex Big Jim, NuMex Suave Orange, Padrón,
Hot peppers/chiles: Aji Amarillo, Habanero, Espelette, Rocoto
Also, see our list of Spring Garden Fair pepper varieties.
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.