Paprika peppers
Sweet red peppers grown for drying and grinding into paprika.
Paprika peppers seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
February–March indoors with warmth
Plant out
Leave fruits to ripen fully red before drying in a warm, airy place.
Harvest
August–October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water
Keep compost consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water more frequently in hot weather.
Soil
Rich, free-draining, pH 6.0–6.8
Spacing
45cm between plants
Containers
Good in large containers (min. 20-30cm diameter) or grow bags.
Indoors
Essential for good yields in the UK, especially in cooler regions. Greenhouse or conservatory is ideal.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Once fruits begin to set, feed weekly with a high-potash tomato feed.
Pruning
Pinch out the growing tip when plants are 15-20cm tall to encourage bushier growth. Remove the 'king flower' (first flower) to encourage more fruit production.
Harvesting
Leave fruits to ripen fully red before drying in a warm, airy place.
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
Good companions: Basil, Carrots, Onions, Spinach