Key points
Capsaicin , the compound responsible for for thatfiery kickin pepper , is a culinary gem sought after by spice partisan worldwide . Growing your own spicy common pepper can be a rewarding experience , adding a unique and flavorful touch to your dishes . Here ’s an in - deepness guideto help you naturalize pepper that will set your taste buds on fire :
Choosing the Right Varieties
TheScoville scale measuresthe pungency of peppers , withhigher numbers indicating greater heating plant . For those seeking extreme spiciness , consider varieties like the Carolina Reaper ( over 2million Scoville units ) , Trinidad Moruga Scorpion ( over 2 million Scoville unit of measurement ) , and Ghost Pepper ( over 1 million Scoville units ) .
Soil Preparation
Peppers fly high in well - drained , fertile soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Amend your grime with compost or manure toimprove drainageand allow for all important nutrients .
Planting
Plant Madagascar pepper seedlings 18 - 24 inches apart infull sun . Dig a hole twice the breadth of the radical glob and industrial plant it deep enough so that the top of the root ball is plane with the stain surface . Water deeply after plant .
Watering
Water yourpeppers regularly , especially duringdry spells . calculate to keep thesoil consistently moistbut not waterlogged . Overwatering can result to etymon rot .
Fertilizing
Fertilize your peppers every 2 - 3 weeks with abalanced fertiliser . opt a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during thevegetative growth stageand higher in phosphorus and K during the fruiting phase .
Pollination
Peppers are self - pollinating , but cross - pollination can occur between dissimilar assortment . To ensure good fruit set , hand - pollinate your peppers by gently shaking the flowers or using asmall brushtotransfer pollenfrom one heyday to another .
Pest and Disease Control
Common blighter of peppers include aphids , thrips , and spider mites . contain them with insecticidal soap orneem petroleum . Diseases to watch out forinclude bacterial wilt , powdery mildew , and verticillium wilting . Practice good garden hygienics , such asrotating cropsand removing infect industrial plant , to forbid disease spread .
Harvesting
Peppers are quick to reap when they reach theirfull colorand size . geld them from the industrial plant with a sharp knife , will a short stem attached . Store peppercorn in a cool , juiceless placefor up to 2 weeks .
Drying and Preserving
To wry peppers , take away the bow and seeds . Spread them on a wire wrack in a warm , teetotal office withgood air circulation . Oncecompletely juiceless , store them in anairtight container . Peppers can also be preserved by pickling , canning , or freezing .
Final Note: Unleash the Fire Within
Growing your own spicy pepper is aculinary adventurethat will add afiery touchto your meals . By following these tips , you may cultivate a vibrant garden of blazingly hot peppers that will take fire your taste buds and leave a lasting picture .
Common Questions and Answers
Q : What are the benefit of growing spicy peppers?A : naughty Piper nigrum are a rich source of vitamin , mineral , and antioxidants . They have anti - inflammatory and pain - relieve property , and somestudies suggestthey may even have anti - cancer effects . Q : How can I increase the spiciness of my peppers?A : strain element , such aswater deprivation , alimentary want , andhigh temperature , can trigger the production of capsaicin . expose your peppers to these atmospheric condition will result in hotter common pepper . Q : Is it safe to handle spicy peppers?A : Yes , but it ’s important to take precautions . put on gloves whenhandling peppers , particularly when cutting them . Avoid touching your eyes or nose after handling peppers , as capsaicin can cause irritation .
