Propagation
Sweet pepper propagation is from seeds.Planting Method
Sweet pepper seeds can be directly sown but this is not generally the practice of commercial farmers. The seeds are sown in prepared beds or in seed trays.
The seeds germinate and seedlings are made. Once the seedlings are established and about 15 cm tall and strong enough they are transplanted into the open field.
Spacing
Plants are spaced 40 to 50 cm apart in rows that are 50 cm apart in tram lines to provide a slightly wider space every two rows for implements and workers to move through. This requires between plants 30 000 and 45 000 plants per hectare depending on the spacing decided on by the grower.Sowing Time
In protected environment like a greenhouse or where the late winter and spring temperatures are warmer sowing can begin in June or July. When making sweet pepper seedlings outside in the open, seeds are sown late August to miss the spring cool weather.Planting Time
About five to six weeks after sowing of the sweet pepper seeds the planting out of the seedlings can commence. This will normally be late July in warm climates to mid September. Planting can however be done till the end of December.Growth Period
From seed to ripe fruit, being the coloured pepper (red, yellow, purple, white or orange) it can take up to five months to harvest. The green pepper which is the immature fruit can be harvested from eight weeks after planting of seedlings.Fertilization
It is always advisable to have the plant area properly analyzed by your extension officer and soil nutritional advisor before planting. A general guide to fertilizing your peppers is as follows. Make sure the land is properly ploughed and levelled.
During the final ploughing normally a disc plough is used apply a pre-planting application of between 800 and 1000 kilograms of a 2:3:4 (30) (a mixture of Nitrogen, Phosphates and Potassium) into the top 20 cm of soil.
If drip irrigation is used it is better to apply the equivalent in liquid fertilizer through the water over the first 4 weeks of growth and thereafter throughout the growing period to about 3 weeks before harvesting of ripe fruit.
For overhead or flood irrigation apply about 250 kg of LAN per hectare at about 6 weeks after planting. This second application can be split in two at six and again eight weeks from planting.
Irrigation
Irrigate between 30 and 40 mm of water per week throughout the growing period. It is advisable to install moisture tension meters to monitor soil moisture tension. As most of the roots are concentrated in the top 30 cm of soil, even a shovel can be used to check the soil.
The best system is drip irrigation under plastic mulching as this gives the farmer more control over the irrigation and fertilizing of his crop. Flood irrigation can lead to waterlogged or dry conditions as it is more difficult to manage. Overhead irrigation can cause fungal disease and rot.
By Louise Brodie