Use starter solution for transplants. Although types of peppers belong in one of six groups, most are classified according to their degree of hot or mild flavor. The mild peppers include Bell, Banana, Pimiento and Sweet Cherry while the hot peppers include the Cayenne, Celestial, Large Cherry, and Tabasco. They are commonly harvested when green yet turn red or yellow when fully ripe. About 200 varieties are available.
Banana peppers are long and tapering and harvested when yellow, orange or red.
Most Pimientos are used when red and fully ripe. Cherry peppers vary in size and flavor. Usually they are harvested orange to deep red. Slim, pointed, slightly twisted fruits characterize the hot Cayenne pepper group. These can be harvested either when green or red and include varieties such as Anaheim, Cayenne, Serrano and Jalapeno.