- Don't expect to set peppers all year round. Winter is their off time, but they will mature any peppers on them when you bring them in.
- Peppers need to be outside during good weather, BUT be careful of FROST. They can be out during the day only in good weather before you can leave them out for the season.
- DON'T over water. Peppers don't like to be soggy, but don't let them get bone dry. After you've harvested the peppers in the winter they don't need a lot of water, light, or heat. Most will tolerate as low as 45*. (Habaneros 55*)
- Spray for aphids once or twice before bringing into the house for the winter. Insecticidal soap+ hot pepper oil (A few hot peppers blended with a Tbl. cooking oil in a qt. spray bottle) , once or twice a month usually takes care of them. Ladybugs are also good against aphids.
- Use " constant feed" directions on any good balanced fertilizer. (Constant feed is a weak solution of fertilizer every time you water.)
- Repot to as big a pot as possible, by next spring at the latest. The bigger the pot, the bigger the plant will be, and the more peppers you will get. I recomend at least a 5 gal. pot for most varieties. DO NOT put the plant in the ground during the summer. You won't be able to dig it up again without shocking it too much. In a pot they can live 5-10 years.
- Pick mature peppers to encourage more. If too many mature peppers are left on the plant, it may quit trying to make more.