How to feed peppers in a greenhouse for a high yield

Growing a good pepper crop without fertilizer is virtually impossible. This vegetable crop is considered a finicky one and reacts sharply to even the slightest deficiency of micronutrients in the soil, so the plants require additional nutrition.

Various mineral and organic fertilizers, as well as folk remedies, are used as additives. To begin feeding pepper seedlings and ensure a bountiful harvest, it's important to understand the fertilizer's composition and properties.

Feeding peppers depending on their growth

Each fertilizer has specific properties and is used only within a specific time frame. This time frame is determined by the pepper's developmental phase: foliage growth, shoot development, flowering, or fruiting. For example, nitrogen is applied during the initial growth stage, while potassium and phosphorus are applied during ovary and fruit formation. There are fertilizers that have a universal effect and are used regardless of growth (complex supplements, folk remedies).

Mineral fertilizers

Minerals are among the most important components that influence fruit quality and quantity. Mineral components include:

Nitrogen

Peppers need it to gain green mass, form ovaries, and ensure stem growth.

Phosphorus

The element promotes the development of the root system and is responsible for the formation of fruits and their ripening time.

Potassium

This compound is considered a key component in peppers' appearance. Potassium influences the intensity of their color, as well as the correct shape and size of the pepper.

Magnesium

The substance is an additional source of nutrition for the root system and also helps maintain mineral balance in the soil.

Fertilizing in spring after transplanting

Once the peppers are transplanted into the soil, fertilize the soil after two weeks. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied first. These include urea and ammonium nitrate.

Urea fertilization

Dissolve 10 grams of urea in 10 liters of water, pour the solution into a watering can, and water the peppers at the roots. The recommended application rate per plant is 0.5 liters.

Urea can be applied to the leaves and stems of peppers. The plant responds well to foliar feeding. The fertilizer can be used dry; simply spread it in a thin layer on moist soil near the stems and between rows. Apply 7-8 grams of powder per square meter of soil.

Ammonium nitrate

Another equally effective fertilizer for peppers is ammonium nitrate. Chemically, it is more aggressive than urea. It is rarely used in dry form, but is more often diluted and used for root feeding. Dilute a tablespoon of the substance in a bucket of water and water the peppers 2-3 weeks after planting in the greenhouse. Repeat the treatment after 10-14 days.

During flowering and formation of ovaries

Once the peppers have acquired green foliage and their stems have become strong, the second phase of growth begins. This phase is more important than the first, as it is during this period that the future harvest is established. Starting in the second half of June, fertilizing is carried out using phosphorus and potassium supplements. Prepare a nutrient solution by mixing a tablespoon of superphosphate and potassium sulfate in a bucket of water. Water the plants with this solution twice every 10-14 days: once before flowering and again during fruit set.

Potassium humate is also ideal for this period of active pepper growth, as it increases soil fertility. Dissolve 3 grams of humate in 10 liters of water and spray the shoots with the solution. It is not recommended to combine humate with phosphorus fertilizers. Apply the solution three times per season: before flowering, during fruit set, and during fruiting.

During fruiting

During the fruiting period, it's recommended to use potassium fertilizer in combination with nitrogen fertilizers to speed up fruit ripening. Potassium nitrate is a substance that contains both potassium and nitrogen. It's diluted at a rate of 15 grams per 10 liters and watered under mature plants. Potassium nitrate is suitable for foliar application, achieving the same effect as root feeding.

Ammonium sulfate will replenish nitrogen deficiency in the soil, while sulfur will prolong fruiting and improve the taste of the fruit. The substance can be added to mulch (40 grams per meter of soil). The fertilizer is completely safe for peppers; all components are quickly distributed throughout the soil without the formation of toxins or byproducts.

Organic matter

A supplement with a natural organic composition is especially valuable for pepper seedlings. To obtain a high-quality harvest, it is sufficient to apply organic fertilizer 3-4 times throughout the season. Organic fertilizers, like mineral ones, are applied at specific times, as their compositions vary.

Mullein

This versatile product is used as a fertilizer for most nightshade crops, including peppers. It contains a large amount of minerals (nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus). When applied to the soil, it increases humus levels, which determines soil fertility. The optimal time for fertilizing with cow manure is late May. During this period, peppers require a powerful growth stimulant and a boost to their immune system. Mix 1 part cow manure with 5 parts water and let the mixture steep for 5-6 days. During fermentation, gas is released, and the color of the fertilizer changes from brown to light yellow. Dilute the solution another 5 times and begin watering. Cow manure is applied to the roots, but foliar feeding with a similar solution is also possible. Repeat the mullein treatment two weeks after the initial application.

Ash

Because ash contains a large amount of minerals, it is often used as a fertilizer. Fertilizing begins immediately after replanting peppers. Dissolve a cup of ash in a bucket of water and water the plants a few days after replanting. Ash can be applied to the leaves and stems before flowering. It protects peppers from pests and insects and prevents fungal diseases. This fertilizer can be added to mulch and occasionally sprinkled between rows.

Iodine

This substance has antibacterial properties and also affects the flavor of the pulp and improves the quality of the fruit. Iodine is used at the beginning of pepper cultivation. Add 3-4 drops of iodine solution to a liter of water and apply to shoots and leaves. Iodine kills pathogenic microflora and prevents insect attacks. The substance can be used up to four times throughout the season, at two-week intervals.

Eggshells

Crushed eggshells can be a source of calcium for peppers. Boiled eggshells are dried and crushed with a potato masher. The crushed powder is sprinkled between the rows of seedlings, regardless of the time of planting. You can also make a liquid fertilizer for watering: mix the eggshells with water in a ratio of 1:3. Water the peppers at the roots during flowering and fruiting. Calcium is easily washed out of the soil with each watering, so the need for this element is constant. The eggshells can be added to mulch or before planting.

Yeast

Once in the soil, yeast begins to break down organic matter, releasing nitrogen and potassium. Yeast feeding is especially important immediately after transplanting peppers to their permanent location. Add one packet of dry yeast and a tablespoon of sugar to 10 liters of warm water. Mix all ingredients and let steep for 2-3 hours in a warm place. After this time, dilute the resulting mixture five times and water the roots. To enhance pepper growth and speed fruit set, apply the yeast supplement three times: once after planting, twice and three times after flowering, and until fruiting.

Complex fertilizers

A complex is a blend containing minerals in specific proportions. They have a broad spectrum of action and instantly nourish the soil, restoring its mineral balance. The complexes are easy to use, water-soluble, and can be used throughout the entire seedling growth period, from planting to fruiting.

Agricola

This supplement is popular with many gardeners. It is non-toxic and safe for plants and fruits. It accelerates fruiting and increases yields. Three to four applications are applied throughout the season, spaced two weeks apart. Mix 25 grams of the supplement in 10 liters of water and water the seedlings, starting three weeks after transplanting them into the greenhouse.

Effecton-O

This fertilizer contains phosphorus and potassium and is best suited for use during the second phase of growth—flowering and fruit set. Its primary purpose is foliar feeding. The solution is prepared by mixing 2 tablespoons of the loose mixture with 10 liters of water. Effecton is used no more than three times per season.

Baikal

The fertilizer is primarily used at the beginning of seedling cultivation, as it intensively nourishes the root system and promotes early flowering. Baikal is diluted in water at a ratio of 1:1000. Watering is carried out a couple of weeks after planting the peppers in a greenhouse or hotbed. Repeat treatment after 14 days.

The key to successfully growing peppers is using fertilizer correctly. For it to be truly effective, it must be diluted in the correct proportions and applied for watering or irrigation at the specified intervals. If the seedlings are developing quickly and growing well on their own, there's no need to apply fertilizer. Excess minerals in the soil will cause the plant to wilt and die.