No matter whether mild or hot: peppers need more than warmth, water, air and soil. In order for them to grow lushly, they need to be fertilized every now and then. When, with what and how often should you fertilize peppers?
How should you properly fertilize peppers?
Peppers should be fertilized with slow-release fertilizer or compost when planting in May. During growth, foliar fertilization can be done with nettle broth. During the flowering period, less nitrogen and more minerals such as magnesium and trace elements are recommended. Less fertilization is often better for good fruit formation.
In general, peppers grow much slower than tomatoes, even with tried-and-tested care measures. Only rising spring temperatures promote the longed-for growth spurt. Provided they receive enough water and nutrients. Peppers need food in the form of fertilizer so that they can fully develop their spicy aroma until harvest. Either a single dose of long-term fertilizer when planting or regular fertilization during the growth phases with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for:
- he althy root growth
- lush leaf growth
- Capsaicin production in fruits
- more fruit production
Find out more about fertilizing tomatoes.
Fertilize peppers when planting
The best opportunity to incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil is mid-May. If the peppers are planted after growing in the prepared location in the garden or greenhouse. Deep incorporation of compost with additional algae extract ensures the necessary basic supply of nutrients, humus and rapid rooting.
Depot or long-term fertilizers coated with a synthetic resin coating (€13.00 on Amazon) are a little more expensive but also more convenient. They release all nutrients in optimal doses throughout the entire growing season.
Fertilize peppers while growing
Foliar fertilization with home-made nettle broth supports the peppers with minerals during their growth period and protects against dangerous pests and typical diseases. Simply spray pepper leaves all over with nettle broth.
Fertilize peppers during flowering
During the flowering period, the following applies when fertilizing: little nitrogen but lots of minerals such as magnesium and trace elements. Additionally loosen the soil and incorporate some rock dust. After a short time you should notice the positive effect visibly through the lush fruit formation. At the same time, the next generation of flowers begins and new fruits form. The reward for the work: an endless supply of garden-fresh peppers. NO WRONG! Botanically speaking, peppers are not pods, but berries! The logical answer to the question: Is pepper a fruit or a vegetable?
Fertilize less is more
If you give too much fertilizer before fruiting, you will get bushy plants with lush leaves but few fruits. Please note the fertilizer instructions on the seed bag for both the hot peppers and the different types of sweet peppers.
Tips & Tricks
Costs nothing and has a double effect: Use the full moon with the waning moon phase in the constellations Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn for root development, leaf development, flower and fruit formation.
