Suggested Cultural Practices for Field Cultivation of Sweet Peppers

Sweet peppers grow best between 21 and 24°C. When temperatures fall below 18°C or exceed 27°C for extended periods, growth and yield are usually decreased. Sweet peppers can tolerate daytime temperatures over 30°C, as long as night temperatures are within 21–24°C. Sweet peppers are photoperiodand humidity-insensitive (day length and relative humidity do not affect flowering or fruit set). They grow best in a loam or silty-loam soil with good water-holding capacity. But they can grow on many soil types, as long as the soil is well drained. Soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.8. These suggestions were developed for the specific conditions at the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) in the Taiwan lowlands (latitude 23° 7’ N, elevation 8 m above sea level). You might need to revise these cultural practices to fit your local environment.