Transplants normally are set in the field after the danger of frost. In certain areas, red peppers are sought in the marketplace.
Hot peppers are always pungent and vary in shape, color and degree of pungency.
To avoid transplant shock, harden the plants by only slightly reducing water and temperature, and increase the air movement to get them used to field conditions. Overhardened plants are slow to take off and can result in reduced yields. When setting transplants, be sure to use a starter fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Some fresh-market growers have significantly increased yields by planting double rows on black plastic mulch, with trickle irrigation laid under the plastic. This provides uniform moisture and fertility during the growing season.