UC Links
How to grow
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.