Thank you so much to everyone who made the 2025 Spring Sale a success! I had so much fun, and am already itching to get started on next year's sale!
Including jalapeño, poblano, habanero, Carolina Reaper, and lunchbox/patio sweet peppers. From mild to screaming hot (and everything in between), there's a pepper for everyone.
☀️
Sunlight
Full sun, 6-8 hrs
Growing Basics
- Peppers are annuals in Minnesota but could be cut back and overwintered inside.
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily).
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Transplanting: Plant at the same depth as in the pot when soil is at least 65°.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist and avoid overhead watering.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer (5-10-10) every 1-2 weeks. During fruiting, focus on potassium and phosphorus. Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent too much leafy growth.
Other Tips
- Mulch to retain moisture and keep soil warm.
- Trellis to provide support if needed.
- Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.
Varieties I Grow
- Jalapeño — A classic medium-heat pepper, perfect for salsas, grilling, or stuffing.
- Poblano — Mild and rich, great for roasting and stuffing. These get big!
- Habanero — Seriously hot, with a fruity flavor underneath. Handle with gloves.
- Carolina Reaper — One of the hottest peppers in the world. Not for the faint of heart. Grow these if you want bragging rights (and a very clear sinuses).
- Lunchbox / Patio Peppers — Those little sweet bell peppers you see in bags at the grocery store, in red, orange, and yellow. Compact plants that do great in containers. (You might see these labeled as "lunchbox" or "patio" depending on the seed company, but they're basically the same thing.)