Peppers/chiles

Garden Help > Vegetables

UC Links

Pest management: Pepper cultural tips, pests, and diseases

The Basics

When to plant

• Transplant: May–June, possibly late April
• For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 75 degrees
• Start in pots for transplants: February–April; ready to transplant in 8 weeks

Harvest window: Pick pods at the right color for each variety. Some are best eaten green, others have more flavor when pods are red, orange or yellow.

Care overview: Growing Great Peppers and Chiles

Videos

• How to Stake Pepper Plants [1:59]
• 17 Chile Varieties You Can Grow [7:20]
• You Can Grow Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Chiles [5:09]

Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

Sweet peppers: Carmen, Corno di Toro (red and yellow), Marconi (red and yellow), Romanian Gogosari

Mild peppers/chiles: NuMex Big Jim, NuMex Suave Orange, Padrón,

Hot peppers/chiles: Aji Amarillo, Habanero, Espelette, Rocoto

Also, see our list of Spring Garden Fair pepper varieties.

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.