table of contents
- Prefer in March
- Suitable vessels
- correct substrate
- preference in the house
- Prick out and plant out
- Preculture in the greenhouse
- frequently asked Questions
Paprika is one of the most popular vegetables in this country. The aromatic, hot fruits can be cultivated well in the garden. However, it is advisable to prefer the young pepper plants. Below are tips on how to do it.
In a nutshell
- March is the best time
- Can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse
- use nutrient-poor substrate
- Germination temperature of 25 °C necessary
- Germination period two to three weeks
Prefer in March
For the harvest to be successful, the right time for growing the young plants must be chosen. If the pre-cultivation takes place too early, long-stemmed, weak seedlings will develop due to a lack of light. The small cotyledons lack chlorophyll. In other words, the plants wither. The best time for growing peppers is late February to March. The preculture then brings with it some advantages such as
- earlier inflorescence
- earlier harvest of ripe fruit
- Seedlings better withstand wind, inclement weather, and snail attacks
Suitable vessels
To the sowing of paprika (Capsicum) a wide variety of containers can be used. Ideal are there
- seed trays
- special growing pots
- indoor greenhouses
- egg cartons
- yoghurt or quark cups
When using seed pots, the choice should be pots made of peat, coconut or other compostable materials. You can later plant the young plants directly in the bed in these pots without damaging the root ball. It is important for all vessels that they have a hole in the bottom. This way the irrigation water can run off well.
correct substrate
The sowing substrate must be germ-free and low in nutrients. Finely crumbly cultivation or special seed soil is best suited for this. They activate root growth in the small seedlings. Alternatively, a mixture of
- garden soil
- sand and
- some compost
be used. The substrate must be well moistened before sowing the seed, but must not be wet.
Notice: The plants need a lot of light. Additionally kyou can an artificial light source of up to 1,000 lux at a height of 20 to 30 cm above the vessels hang. The red and blue light is important for the photosynthesis of the plants.
preference in the house
Indoors, paprika can be grown well on the windowsill. A south-facing window above the heating would be ideal for setting up the growing pots. If the window sill is too cold, a heating mat can be placed underneath. The temperature should be between 25 and 28 °C.
The following steps are necessary for sowing:
- Fill the growing pots to the brim with soil. Use 1 to 3 seeds per pot.
- distance of seed about 2 cm. Cover them with a one centimeter thin layer of sifted earth.
- Spray the soil substrate with lukewarm water using a spray bottle, but do not muddy it.
- Cover pots with foil to create a warm, humid climate.
- To prevent mold from forming, remove the foil briefly every day to air it out.
- Keep soil evenly moist. Set up pots bright and warm.
- Germination after 2 to 3 weeks at a soil temperature of 25°C.
After the first seedlings have appeared, you can completely remove the foil. The substrate must remain moist but not wet. You can then place the pots a little cooler at 17 to 19 °C. This prevents the seedlings from growing too quickly and wilting.
Notice: Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in lukewarm water for a day or two. This results in better and faster germination.
Prick out and plant out
When the young plants in the pots have reached a height of five centimetres, a pricking necessary. The space in the pot becomes too small and competition for water and nutrients begins:
- Remove individual seedlings from the soil with your hand, pricking stick or tweezers
- taking care not to damage roots
- repot into larger containers
- keep well moist
After the ice saints, in mid-May, the young plants can then be planted outdoors.
Preculture in the greenhouse
Sowing can be done directly into the ground. The pepper plants can remain here throughout the season. Other advantages of growing peppers in the greenhouse would be:
- good harvest despite rainy summers
- constant protection against wind and rain
- the greenhouse is heated by the sun
The following should be observed when sowing:
- 50 cm distance between individual seeds
- Keep substrate moist
- cover with foil after sowing
- remove daily to air
- first seedlings visible, remove foil completely
- pay attention to snail protection
- Support plants with a stick
- Open the greenhouse regularly from May/June
frequently asked Questions
Paprika loves a wind-protected, warm, light to sunny place. However, direct sunlight should be avoided. The soil must be loose, well-drained and slightly sandy. The ideal soil pH is between slightly acidic and neutral. If these requirements are taken into account, the pods have a fruity and pungent aroma.
The plants need to be watered regularly. Two to four times a week, depending on the weather. Avoid waterlogging. A slow-release fertilizer is advisable when planting. In this case, another dose should be given after two months. It is important to supply the plants with sufficient nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
Yes, all sterile side shoots, the so-called stingy shoots, should be regularly broken off to the side. In addition, it is advisable to remove the royal flower from each plant. This is the first flower to appear on the top branch of the stem. It is twisted out or broken with two fingers. As a result, the energy reserves of the plant are then used evenly for the formation of the fruit.
Yes. However, it is not recommended in a very cold and rainy spring. It is then too cold for the seeds to germinate. The cold frame must be in full sun. It is sown in small pots. The soil must be kept well moist. On dry days, the cover is only briefly removed to air out. After the appearance of the first seedlings, it is then completely removed. A cover net can be used for protection.
