Harvesting Peppers: When And How To Pick A Pepper
Peppers are extremely fun to grow since there are dizzying arrays of them to choose from; with a variety of colors and flavors from sweet to the hottest hot. It is because of this variety, though, it is sometimes difficult to know when to begin harvesting the peppers.
When to Harvest Peppers
Peppers have been cultivated in Central and South America, Mexico, and the West Indies since ancient times, but it was early explorers like Columbus who brought the pepper to Europe. They became popular and were then brought to North America with the first European colonists. Peppers are tropical plants that are grown as warm season annuals here. Given plenty of sun, peppers are relatively easy to grow. Plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Of course, it depends upon the pepper variety, but most peppers should be spaced about 12 to 16 inches (31-41 cm.) apart. The harvesting of peppers will vary according to which type of pepper variety you have. Most sweet varieties mature within 60 to 90 days, while their muy caliente cousins may take up to 150 days to mature. If starting peppers from seed, add eight to ten weeks onto the information on the seed packet to account for the time between sowing and transplanting. For most people, this means seed sown peppers will be started indoors in January or February. Pepper harvest time for many hot varieties of peppers, like jalapeños, is often indicated when the fruit is a deep, dark green. Other hot pepper varieties such as Cayenne, Serrano, Anaheim, Tabasco, or Celestial are mature after a color change from green to orange, reddish brown, or red. Picking hot pepper fruit as it matures encourages the plant to continue to fruit. Hot pepper plants should continue to fruit but production wanes into the fall. Sweet pepper, such as bell peppers, are often harvested when the fruit is still green, but full sized. Allowing the bell pepper to remain on the plant and continue to ripen, changing colors from yellow, orange, to red before picking pepper fruit, will result in sweeter peppers. Another sweet pepper, the banana pepper, is also harvested when yellow, orange, or red. Sweet pimientos are picked when red and around 4 inches (10 cm.) long by 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) wide. Cherry peppers will vary in size as well as flavor and are harvested when orange to dark red.
How to Pick a Pepper
Harvesting sweet pepper varieties requires some finesse, as the delicate branches will break if you tug at them. Use hand pruners, scissors, or a sharp knife to remove the pepper from the plant. When harvesting hot peppers, use gloves or wash your hands immediately after picking the fruit. Do not touch your eyes or mouth after harvesting or the capsaicin oil, which is probably on your hands, will undoubtedly burn you.
Pepper Plants After Harvest
Peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for seven to ten days or at 45 degrees F. (7 C.) with an 85 to 90 percent relative humidity. Make them into salsas, add them to soups or salads, roast them, stuff them, dry them, or pickle them. You can also wash, cut, and freeze peppers for future use. Once the pepper plant has been harvested in most areas, it is finished for the season and the plant will die back during the late fall. In regions with year-round warm temps, however, the pepper may continue to produce, just as it does in the tropical regions of its origin. You can also overwinter a pepper plant by bringing it indoors. The key to overwintering is warmth and light. It is possible to keep a pepper for many years in this manner. Many pepper plants are quite ornamental, and will continue to fruit indoors and make a lovely addition to the home décor.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
- Amy DraissDigital Community Manager
-
The 6 Golden Rules Of Harvesting Vegetables – For Perfect Produce Every Time
Master the art of harvesting home-grown produce for a bounty you can be proud of – from knowing when a crop is ready, to using the correct techniques and tools.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Worried About Hibiscus Disease? 5 Common Problems To Watch Out For
Hibiscus disease can lay waste to some of the garden’s most delightful tropical plants. If you’re concerned, act fast – with this guide to the five most common
By Tonya Barnett
-
Growing Tomatoes In Containers For Beginners
Nothing says summer like homegrown tomatoes! Did you know you can grow tomatoes in pots? Click to learn how to grow tomatoes in containers.
By Laura Walters
-
Do-It-Yourself Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece
Can you believe this pretty pumpkin centerpiece was made with just $13 worth of supplies? Plus, it was quick and easy.
By Amy Draiss
-
Garden Harvest Tips – General Vegetable Harvesting Guidelines
Vegetable harvesting at the correct time can make the difference between flavorful and unpalatable produce. Here are some garden harvest tips to follow.
By Amy Grant
-
Tomato Verticillium Wilt Control – How To Treat Tomatoes With Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt can be a devastating infection for a tomato crop. The best way to avoid it is to use resistant tomato varieties. It is also important to know the signs of the disease to avoid spreading it from one area of your garden to another. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Harvesting Hot Peppers: Tips For Picking Peppers That Are Hot
So you have a lovely crop of hot peppers thriving in the garden, but when do you pick them? There are several things to consider before you begin harvesting hot peppers. The following article discusses options for harvest and storage of hot peppers.
By Amy Grant
-
Tomato Fusarium Wilt: How To Control Fusarium Wilt On Tomato Plants
Tomato fusarium wilt can be very destructive to home gardens. It is a fungal infection that invades the roots but causes yellowing and wilting in the plant above the soil line. With severe infections, you can lose a lot of tomato yield. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Tomato Anthracnose Information: Learn About Anthracnose Of Tomato Plants
Anthracnose of tomato plants has a particular set of symptoms that affects the fruits, often after they have been picked. To learn more about tomato anthracnose symptoms and how to control tomato anthracnose disease, click this article for additional information.
By Liz Baessler
-
Controlling Tomato Southern Blight: How To Treat Southern Blight Of Tomatoes
By Mary H. Dyer