Growing hot peppers in Minnesota can sometimes be a challenge. Here are a few tips on growing peppers in our area.

Select good healthy plants. Hybrids produce better yields. Purchase your peppers 1 to 2 weeks before planting. “Harden” them off by setting the plants outside in a somewhat protected area out of direct sunlight. If temperatures are forecast to drop below 50 degrees, move peppers inside. Cool temperatures directly effect the production of fruit. Plant your peppers out in the garden when all chances of frost have passed, or be prepared to cover your tender plants. We suggest working in compost when planting your vegetable transplants. The nutrient rich soil should be all the fertilizer your peppers need. (Too much nitrogen will grow beautiful pepper trees with no fruit!)

Black plastic mulch can also be very helpful to keep your peppers warm. Roll plastic down a row, cut slits into the plastic, and plant the peppers. Peppers, like Habenero or single Bell, will do very well in an 8 - 10" container on a warm sunny deck or patio. This will also allow you to bring them indoors in the fall to continue to ripen them over an extended season.

Colorful and hot! From yellow, green, red, orange and purple, hot and sweet, we can offer the gardener a wide selection of peppers to choose from. Choose carefully, some of these beauties are extremely hot.

Bell peppers are typically sweet; many have large fruit with three to four lobes. When left on the plant, the green coloring will change to red when the pepper is truly ripe. Bell peppers come in red, yellow, orange, green, and purple. Their “blocky” shape makes them excellent for stuffing. Other sweet peppers include: Gypsy and Sweet Banana.

Hot peppers come in many shapes and sizes-- tiny Super Chilies to long and sleek Anaheims. There are more than 150 identified varieties of Chili peppers alone, and they range in colors from nearly black to sunny yellow. We have a selection best suited for Minnesota's growing season. Jalapeno is the most popular for a moderately hot pepper. Cajun cooking has increased the rising popularity of hotter varieties such as Cayennes. When preparing hot peppers it's a good idea to wear latex gloves and avoid contact with sensitive skin and eyes.

Growing peppers is relatively easy. Plants can be left out after there is no chance of frost and night temperatures have warmed to above 50. Select a sunny area where the soil is well drained. Days to harvest vary slightly.