Banana peppers, which are known botanically as Capsicum Annuum , are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing banana peppers as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Banana Peppers
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the banana pepper seeds 7 weeks before your last spring frost and outdoors 2 weeks after your last spring frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when banana peppers are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Banana Peppers the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing banana peppers in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your banana peppers grow. Generally, your soil should be loose and well drained. Soil PH levels should be around 6.2 to 7.0.
18″ apart in rows. 18″ apart in rows. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about .25″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your banana pepper seedlings one plant every 18″ when seedlings are 3″ tall. .
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Banana Peppers
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your banana peppers. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your banana peppers should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Banana Peppers
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your banana peppers do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your banana peppers begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Banana Peppers to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your banana peppers grow.
It takes approximately 10-12 days to germinate, and a total of 70 days from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Banana Peppers
The best time to harvest your banana peppers is after they reach their full size (about four to eight inches, depending on the variety).
Banana peppers can grow up to about 23 inches (58 cm) in length.
What Can Banana Peppers Be Used For?
Food Use: Roast these sweet peppers or add them as a delicious topping to pizza.
Flavor Profile: This sweet pepper gets sweeter as it ripens from light green all the way to red.
Can Banana Peppers Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you will ideally need a 12″+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your banana peppers around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Banana Peppers Safe for Bees?
Yes, banana peppers are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing banana peppers is bee-friendly.
