Tips on Growing Hot Peppers

Tried & True Pepper-Growing Advice

For decades, Pepper Joe’s has focused on one thing: helping growers succeed.

Many of our pepper varieties have been grown and refined over generations. Seeds are selected from strong, healthy, fully mature peppers and handled with care, because quality at the seed stage makes all the difference once you start growing.

This guide brings together our most trusted pepper-growing tips, from starting seeds to harvesting, preserving, and extending your season. Along the way, you’ll find helpful links to more in-depth resources for each topic, so you can dig deeper whenever you’re ready.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your approach, consider this your go-to hub for growing hot peppers with confidence.

Starting Pepper Seeds Successfully

Some pepper varieties germinate easily, while others need a little extra patience.

Seed Prep

• • Optional: Soak seeds overnight in warm water to encourage faster germination

  • Some growers use potassium nitrate to mimic natural conditions, but it’s not required for success

Soil Options

You can use a quality store-bought seed-starting mix for convenience, or make your own:

• • ⅓ garden soil (avoid heavy clay)

  • ⅓ composted manure or similar organic material

  • ⅓ sand for drainage (pepper plants love sandy soil)

Mix thoroughly before planting.

Containers & Trays

Good containers create a strong start.

• • Plastic seed trays or gro-packs work well

  • Peat pellets or peat pots make transplanting easier

  • Leave at least ¼ inch at the top of containers for watering

After watering, loosely cover trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to create a warm, moist environment. Remove the cover as soon as seedlings emerge. 

Looking for the right setup? We carry a selection of seed-starting trays, containers, and growing supplies to help you get peppers off to a strong start.

Germination Tips

• • Ideal soil temperature: 75–85°F (minimum 65°F)

  • Start seeds 6–10 weeks before last frost

  • Keep soil moist, not soaked

Some varieties sprout in 7–10 days, while others may take several weeks. Patience pays off.

Once seedlings emerge, allow soil to dry for a full day between watering to prevent damping-off disease. Check out this Complete Germination Guide for more helpful tips!

Light & Early Care

Seedlings need warmth and light.

• • Place in a sunny window with at least 6 hours of light

  • Plant multiple seeds per cell, then snip weaker seedlings as plants grow

  • If seedlings become tall or leggy, brief exposure to cooler air can help strengthen stems

Healthy seedlings set the stage for a productive season. Here is a helpful article explaining how much sun pepper plants need at each growing stage. 

Transplanting & Growing Outdoors

When plants are established, it’s time to move them outside.

• • Harden off plants gradually before transplanting

  • Dig holes larger than the root system

  • Add sulfur to planting holes to support root health

Water thoroughly after transplanting to reduce shock. New to transplanting and hardening off? Check out this guide on how to transplant your pepper plants.

Feeding for Strong Growth

• • Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season

  • Fish emulsion works well, but balanced fertilizers are fine

  • At bloom time, a light Epsom salt spray can support healthy flowering

Want to dial in your feeding routine? Explore our pepper-friendly fertilizers or dig deeper with our guide on pepper plant nutrients and feeding schedules to help your plants reach their full potential.

Harvesting, Preserving & Using Peppers

Enjoy your harvest long after the season ends.

Drying

• • String peppers by the stem and hang in a sunny, dry spot

  • Thin-skinned peppers dry especially well

Pickling

• • Blanch peppers briefly, cool, and remove seeds if desired

  • Use a vinegar-water mix with spices to taste

Freezing

• • Wash, dry, remove stems, and freeze whole or sliced

  • Peppers retain fresh flavor when frozen

Roasting & Crushing

• • Lightly roast dried peppers

  • Cool and crush for homemade pepper flakes

Looking for more ideas? Check out our harvest guide and recipes for creative ways to use, preserve, and enjoy your peppers.

How Hot Is Hot?

Heat is subjective and adjustable.

• • Maximum heat comes from eating seeds and inner membranes

  • Milder flavor comes from harvesting early and removing seeds

Popular Super-Hot Peppers (SHU):

• • Carolina Reaper – 2,200,000

  • Trinidad Moruga Scorpion – 2,009,000

  • 7 Pot Douglah – 1,854,000

  • Ghost Pepper – 1,042,000

  • Red Savina Habanero – 500,000

Extend Your Growing Season

• • Prune plants about 6 weeks before first frost to focus energy on ripening fruit

  • Before frost, pull plants and hang upside down in a dry space to finish ripening

This works especially well for short-season gardeners. Check out this helpful guide on how to prune pepper plants! 

Container Gardening for Small Spaces

Limited space? No problem.

Many hot peppers thrive in containers and produce excellent yields with proper care. Container gardening makes peppers accessible to patios, balconies, and small yards.

Check out our small garden beds and grow bags for new ideas on how to maximize your space!

Growing the Best Chili Peppers Possible

Pepper Joe’s is built around sharing decades of pepper-growing knowledge. From detailed guides to photo-packed resources, our goal is to help you grow healthier plants and better harvests.

Browse our site, explore different pepper seed varieties, live plants, grow supplies, and grow with confidence.