Method for Preserving Pepper Plants During Winter - Activity Ensuring Early Bloom in Upcoming Season's Garden
In the colder months, many gardeners might think it's the end of the line for their chili plants. However, with a bit of care and preparation, these fiery plants can be overwintered to thrive again in spring.
Experienced plant breeders and gardening clubs, such as Pflanzen-Kölle Gartencenter, recommend overwintering chili plants in a bright, frost-free location with temperatures around 10-15°C. Moderate watering is key, and the plants should be gradually re-acclimatized to outdoor conditions in spring. Regional gardening clubs or specialized seed companies like ReinSaat can offer valuable tips tailored to colder areas.
For those growing chili plants in containers, overwintering is as simple as bringing them indoors and placing them into a south-facing window. Indoor grown plants will not produce fruit during the winter, but with the return of warmer temperatures, they can bounce back.
When storing pepper plants in a cool location, shorten watering and expect leaves to die back. Pruning back the plant during dormancy can help remove dying leaves and make the plant less susceptible to pests. It's also important to check the plants for any pests and, if necessary, spray them with neem oil or add some sticky traps.
Overwintering may improve the fruit production of peppers, particularly chili peppers. By doing so, hot peppers can fruit as much as a month earlier and produce longer. If you're growing peppers for fruit in the winter, you will need to do so in a greenhouse with supplemental light, as the average house in the winter cannot provide the necessary temperature and amount of light for fruit production.
When moving pepper plants outside in spring, gradually increase their exposure to sunlight over a week or so. Prepare a place in the garden with full sun before moving outdoor pepper plants after all danger of frost has passed. Fertilize with a dilute food when new growth appears on outdoor pepper plants.
Heather Rhoades, a Master Gardener of Ohio, founded a platform offering gardening advice in 2007. Amy Grant is a writer for the platform. Overwintering pepper plants can provide a jump start for spring growth, ensuring a bountiful harvest when the weather warms up.
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