Peppers are one of the few crops that can survive, or even thrive in Florida’s summer heat. Growing peppers in Florida is not too tricky, with sufficient sunlight and a little bit of know-how.
- Florida friendly hot varieties include Jalapeno, Cayenne and Habanero
- According to IFAS, Florida friendly bell peppers include ‘California Wonder’, ‘Red Knight’, and ‘Big Bertha’. Sweeter varieties suited for Florida include ‘Sweet Banana’, ‘Giant Marconi’, ‘Mariachi’, and ‘Cubanelle’.
Growing peppers in Florida
Peppers grow best in the heat and in the full sun. Without full sun peppers are susceptible to pests and mildew, or just produce a smaller crop.
When to plant peppers in Florida
The recommendation is to start peppers indoors and transplant outdoors in August.
Hot peppers do best in summer and can be planted indoors or outdoors in the spring.
Bell peppers fare better in cooler seasons and can be planted in March or August.
When to harvest peppers in Florida
Depending on when your peppers were planted, harvest times will vary. This is a good practice in observation: observe your peppers growing through all their stages and when they look read to eat, pick em off! Note: Bell peppers harvested early are green, and when left to mature they turn orange, then red.
What you’ll need for growing peppers
To start your pepper plant(s) you’ll need some quality seeds from a reputable source and location that gets nearly a full day’s sun.
How to plant peppers for optimal growth
- Space out for air flow
- If you skip this step your pepper plants will be more susceptible to fungus and other diseases as a result of Florida’s summer humidity
- Plant in full sun and well-drained fertile soils
Growing peppers in containers
Peppers will do just fine in containers as long as they’re in a location that receives a full day’s sun.
Caring for your pepper plants
- Staking may be required to keep your pepper plants upright
- Maintain moist but not wet soil
Suggested recipes for peppers
Bell peppers
Stuffed bell peppers with rice and other goodies inside
Jalapeno peppers
Jalapeno poppers with bacon
Cayenne peppers
Homemade cayenne pepper sauce
Habanero peppers
Habanero pepper jam