When harvesting the fruit, cut the stems instead of pulling, to avoid breaking branches. Most varieties turn red and sweeter and increase in vitamin A and C content when allowed to mature on the plant. Hot peppers, except for jalapenos, are allowed to ripen and change colors on the plant. Jalapeno peppers should be harvested when the fruit turn black-green. Entire plants may be pulled and hung just before full frosts.
Yields are smaller for hot peppers.
Store peppers in the refrigerator. The optimal conditions for storage are temperatures of 45 to 50 F and 80 to 90 percent relative humidity for two to three weeks. It is caused by calcium deficiency. Blossom drop occurs when night temperatures are above 75 F or when a crop of fruit set is excessive. Insects that may be a problem include European corn borer, corn earworms and armyworms.