3: TMV = Tobacco mosaic virus; L = low, M = moderate, and H = high level of tolerance to pest. When disease tolerance for a particular variety is unknown, line is left blank.

4: Phytophthora resistant

22.2 Planting Methods

Peppers are relatively slow to emerge and need protection from soilborne diseases. Use a sterilized growing medium and seed treated with a suitable fungicide. The daytime temperature for producing transplants should be about 75°F and nighttime temperature about 65°F. Flats with 72 to 128 cells are commonly used. A two inch by two inch cell size is recommended for early production.

Plants are usually set in the field when they are six to eight weeks old and four to eight inches tall. A few days at 60° to 65°F or reduced water application will help to harden the plants and prevent transplant shock. Overhardened plants will grow slowly in the field. Transplants should not be set in the field until the danger of hard frost is past, usually after mid-May. Growers using row covers and those on Long Island may plant seven to ten days earlier. The use of black plastic mulch with drip irrigation and double rows can greatly increase yields and quality, provide weed control without herbicides, and reduce disease pressure because the fruit and foliage are not wetted as with sprinkler irrigation.

Table 22.2.1 Recommended spacing.

Row type	Row(in inches)	In-row(In inches)
Single	48-60	12
Double	15¹	14-18

1: Center to center beds should be 5-6’ apart. Plants should be staggered.

22.3 Fertility

Use lime to maintain a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Starter solution may be beneficial. See Tables 22.3.1 and 22.3.2 for the recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Table 22.3.1 Recommended nutrients based on soil tests for transplants in plastic mulch with fertigation.
N pounds/acre	P₂O₅ pounds/acre			K₂O pounds/acre			Comments
	Soil Phosphorus Level			Soil Potassium Level
	low	med.	high	low	med.	high
125	150	100	75	150	100	75	*Total recommended*

50	75	25	0	75	25	0	Broadcast and disk-in.
15	15	15	15	15	15	15	Apply 1 week after transplanting and every 3 weeks for 5 applications.

Table 22.3.2 Recommended nutrients based on soil tests for transplants in bare ground.
N pounds/acre	P₂O₅ pounds/acre			K₂O pounds/acre			Comments
	Soil Phosphorus Level			Soil Potassium Level
	low	med.	high	low	med.	high
90-150	150	100	50	150	100	50	*Total recommended*

50	150	100	50	150	100	50	Broadcast and disk-in.¹
40-50	0	0	0	0	0	0	Apply when first clusters set fruit²
40-50	0	0	0	0	0	0	Apply only on light soils or in seasons with heavy rains.

1: If equipment is available, apply half of the phosphorus and potassium in bands 4” deep and 4” from the row at planting or drill deeply

after plowing.

2: Nitrogen can be applied as a split application. Apply half at fruit set and the rest when fruit are 1” in diameter.

22.4 Harvesting

Bell peppers are harvested by hand usually at the green stage but after fruit reach full size and walls are thick and firm. Peppers may be picked twice per week during the peak harvest period. The demand for colored peppers has increased, which requires two to four weeks additional growing time. Increased attention to insects and diseases is required in the production of mature, colored fruit.

Peppers are often washed after harvest. Water temperature should be close to that of the fruit, and never more than

10°F cooler, to prevent movement of bacteria into the stem

end of the fruit. Chlorinated water should be used. Peppers are often waxed to prevent moisture loss and scuffing damage.

Bell peppers and fresh hot and novelty peppers are best stored at 50° to 54°F and 90 to 95 percent relative humidity. Chilling injury occurs at temperatures below 45°F, and damage may occur even below 50°F, depending on variety and other factors. Bell peppers may be stored two to three weeks if handled properly. Dried hot peppers are stored at 32° to 38°F.

Table 23.3 Nonpathogenic disorders.

Pest Management Guidelines A Cornell Cooperative Extension Publication	Cornell Guide for Pest Management of Vegetables
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