Which month is best to plant pepper seedlings?

Pepper seedlings are usually grown between March and April in spring. During this period, the climate is suitable, the temperature is moderate, the sunshine is sufficient, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. These conditions are conducive to the germination of pepper seeds and the growth of seedlings. In addition, the rainfall and soil moisture during this period are relatively suitable, creating a good environment for the growth of peppers.

However, the specific seedling raising time needs to be determined based on the specific local climate conditions and the characteristics of the selected pepper variety. Climate differences in different regions may affect the best time for seedling cultivation. Therefore, farmers should flexibly adjust the seedling cultivation time according to actual conditions to ensure that the peppers can grow smoothly.

Which month is best to plant pepper seedlings ?

The cultivation of peppers is mainly divided into two forms: open-air cultivation and greenhouse cultivation. Different cultivation methods have different requirements for sowing time. Today, we will focus on peppers grown in the open air. Peppers grown outdoors are usually transplanted, and before transplanting, seedlings need to be raised first. The seedling period of pepper is about 35 days. Based on this period, we can calculate the suitable sowing time for pepper in different regions.

Taking Guangdong in southern China as an example, open-air cultivation of peppers is divided into two types: spring sowing and autumn sowing. Peppers sown in spring have a longer growing period and more fruit setting. The recommended transplanting time is mid-to-late March. Therefore, the time for sowing and seedling raising should be arranged in early to mid-February. In this way, the pepper seedlings can be transplanted at the appropriate time to ensure a sufficient growth cycle.

For peppers planted in autumn, the planting time in Guangdong is usually in September, while the harvest period is from October to December. In order to ensure that peppers can mature in the appropriate season, the sowing and seedling period of autumn-sown peppers should start in early August at the latest. This timing helps the peppers grow smoothly in the cool weather of the fall and reach ideal maturity when harvest time comes.

Pepper Planting Methods

Seedling cultivation: Cultivating healthy pepper seedlings is the basis for achieving high yields. You can choose to grow seedlings in a hotbed or covered with plastic film. The sowing rate per acre is about 200 to 250 grams. The seedbed should maintain suitable temperature and humidity, with the daytime temperature maintained at 25 to 28°C, the nighttime temperature at 20 to 22°C, and the soil moisture maintained at around 90%. After all the seedlings have emerged, lower the temperature appropriately, keeping it at 20 to 25℃ during the day and 15 to 16℃ at night. When the seedlings grow 4 to 5 true leaves, gradually reduce the covering to allow the seedlings to adapt to the external environment. During the seedling stage, attention should be paid to timely fertilization, watering, and prevention and control of diseases and pests.

Land preparation, basal fertilizer application and transplanting: After deep plowing the land, apply 4,000 kg of compost, 50 kg of phosphate fertilizer and 10 to 15 kg of potash fertilizer per mu as basal fertilizer. When transplanting, keep the row spacing between 33 and 50 cm, the plant spacing between 33 cm, and plant 2 to 3 pepper seedlings in each hole. The ideal transplanting age is 110 to 120 days, with 8 to 13 true leaves. If the main purpose is to harvest green peppers, 5,000 to 7,000 plants can be planted per acre.

Field management: After planting, when the pepper seedlings begin to grow, apply 1,000 kg of decomposed human and animal manure per mu as fertilizer to promote the growth of the seedlings. After the peppers start to set fruit, apply 3,000 kg of human and animal manure and urine plus 3 to 5 kg of urea per mu as fruit-stabilizing fertilizer. After each harvest, fertilize again as needed. Combine fertilization with watering, irrigate in time during high temperature and drought, keep the soil moist, and drain in time after rain. To prevent flowers and fruits from falling, pay attention to controlling the temperature, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, plant at a reasonable density, and ensure sufficient light. During the flowering period, spraying with a 25 to 30 ppm solution of parachlorophenoxyacetic acid (PCPA) can reduce flower drop.

Harvesting: Fresh peppers are generally harvested 20 to 25 days after the flowers wither, when the fruits are fully ripe, the color deepens, the surface becomes glossy and hardened. Dried chili peppers need to be harvested when the fruits are fully ripe and red.

The above is an introduction to the planting time of pepper seedlings. There will be differences between the north and south regions. If you want to get a high yield when planting peppers . Field management work cannot be neglected either.