Paprika is one of the very popular vegetables that is consumed not only in our country but also in other countries. It is common for many people to go to the shops or markets to buy them. But there are also those who choose to grow it. It may not be easy, but the result can be so stunning that it is worth going for this particular vegetable. The basis for it is a suitable soil, which should not lack grass, peat, humus and even a little river sand.
Besides:
- This is a perennial, but is usually only grown for one year,
- seeds continue to germinate for three to five years,
- you can look forward to fruits weighing 50-200 g with a wall thickness of 1-10 mm.
Preparing and sowing pepper seeds for seedlings
Before sowing, soak the pepper seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate (1 gram per 100 ml of warm water) for 20 minutes. Then soak them in water at 25 to 30 degrees for two days. Dry the seeds lightly before moving them into the soil and sow them immediately in 1 × 5 cm cups or boxes to a depth of no more than 1.5 cm.
Cover the utensils with foil and place them near the heat. After 3 to 7 days, the first shoots will appear. Remove the foil and place the boxes or cups on a south, southeast or southwest windowsill. Keep the temperature between 15 and 17 degrees during the day and 12 to 14 degrees overnight for the first 3 to 4 days. After that, leave the plants in the shade for one to two days and then put them by the window again.
Caring for Seedlings
Seedlings grow well in warmth. In the morning, if necessary, water the plants with warm, skimmed water. Rotate the containers of seedlings each day so that the bushes are evenly lit. On short days, it is recommended to re-light them so that they are exposed to light for about 13 to 14 hours a day. You should fertilise twice a day with a mixture of urea, superphosphate and potassium salt.
Ten to twelve days before transplanting, begin acclimating. Take them to a balcony or greenhouse at an air temperature of at least 12 degrees, first for two to three hours, then for 10 to 12 hours. And leave the plants on the balcony overnight (unless you expect frost) for three to five days before transplanting them into a bed.
Source: https://bonnieplants.com/how-to-grow/growing-peppers/