Peppers exposed to cold temperatures early in the season will often drop their fruit, resulting in a large unproductive plant. Mid-May is a safe time to plant peppers in most of central Kansas. Spacing Set plants 18 inches to 2 feet apart in rows 15 inches apart. Hot peppers usually produce a larger, more sprawling plant and require more space. Care Peppers thrive in well-drained fertile soil.
Water is required in dry periods.
Even, consistent watering is preferred as peppers can develop blossom end rot, a brown leathery patch at the base of the fruit. Peppers require a slightly more fertile spot than tomatoes, but gardeners should avoid over-fertilization. Harvest fruit when they are the desirable size, to keep the plants producing more. Poorly shaded fruit may be subject to sunburning in hot summer conditions. Harvesting Carefully pick or cut peppers from the plants.