Sweet Peppers in Cambridge
Capsicum annuum
Sweet peppers are tender annuals that produce crisp, colourful fruits with a mild flavour. Native to Central and South America, they thrive in warm, sunny positions and are commonly grown under glass in the UK to ensure reliable cropping, though they can succeed outdoors in sheltered spots during particularly warm summers.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Sweet Pepper
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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Step by step guide to growing sweet peppers outdoors in a warm, sheltered spot.
1 Sow Seeds Indoors
Fill seed trays with peat-free seed compost and sow your seeds about deep. Cover lightly with compost and water gently from below. Place on a warm windowsill or in a propagator at .
2 Prick Out Seedlings
When the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into pots with peat-free compost. Keep in a bright, warm spot and water to keep moist.
3 Pot On
As plants grow and roots fill the pots, move them to larger containers to develop strongly before planting out.
4 Harden Off
April in Cambridge is usually time to start hardening off your plants. Place them outside during the day and bring in at night, gradually increasing exposure over two weeks to acclimatise to outdoor conditions.
5 Transplant Outdoors
After all risk of frost has passed, plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Space apart and stake if needed. Protect from slugs with barriers.
6 Pinch Out Growing Tips
Pinch out the tips when plants are high to promote bushiness and more fruits.
7 Fertilise
Once flowers form, feed every week with high-potash fertiliser. Water consistently and mist flowers in dry weather to aid fruit set.
8 Harvest
Harvest when fruits are full-sized, picking green or allowing to colour for sweetness. Keep picking to extend the crop.
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