How to feed pepper seedlings after picking

Even inexperienced gardeners know that to achieve a bountiful pepper harvest, it's crucial to provide them with good nutrition. Plants require balanced nutrition at all stages of the growing season, and it's not the quantity of fertilizers that matters, but the correct selection.

In this article, we'll discuss the types of fertilizers needed and used for peppers, the timing of application, and folk remedies.

Types of fertilizers

In Russia's challenging climate, peppers are grown from seedlings, then transplanted into hotbeds, greenhouses, and, less commonly, into raised beds. Pricking out and transplanting are all stressful for plants, and to ensure healthy growth and prevent them from becoming leggy, it's important to create the most comfortable conditions possible.

Depending on the method of application, fertilizers are divided into two types:

•         root;
•         extraroot.

In the first case, nutrients are delivered to the plant through the root system via root watering. This method is the most well-known and widely used. Foliar feeding involves spraying the peppers' leaves.

Fertilizers are also divided by composition into organic and mineral additives. A separate group includes compounds prepared according to various folk recipes and successfully used by gardeners in various regions.

Organics

Peppers love organic matter, but the best results are achieved by using it as a base to which mineral fertilizers are added. Commonly used fertilizers include:

•         mullein (diluted with water 1:10 and infused);
•         bird droppings (requires dilution 1:15 or 1:20);
•         infusions of nettle and other weeds;
•         compost;
•         peat.

Nitrogen is essential for plants during the initial stages or to stimulate pepper development and growth. During the remaining stages of vegetation, its amount is reduced by adding phosphorus and potassium.

Mineral fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers, both simple (superphosphate) and complex (ammonium phosphate), are widely used for fertilizing peppers. Combined fertilizers based on recycled organic matter and enriched with mineral components are recommended. These include fertilizers such as nitrophoska and nitroammophoska.

Ready-to-use fertilizer blends such as Kemira, Kemira-Lux, Kristalon, Agricola, Ideal, and Uniflor are popular. Many of these complexes are available in series, each containing fertilizers with different compositions. This allows gardeners to select the right fertilizer with the right mix of components for different stages of pepper growth. For example, nitrogen-containing fertilizers can be selected for the initial period, while fertilizers with a higher potassium and phosphorus content are needed for additional feeding during the flowering and fruiting stages.

It's important to remember that fertilizing is important for peppers, but in all cases—whether using organic fertilizers, minerals, or folk remedies—it's important to follow the guidelines and instructions. Only then will you be able to get a good harvest and environmentally friendly fruit.

Pepper fertilizing schedule

Fertilizing this crop begins during the seedling stage. Much depends on the gardener's experience, as well as the conditions in which the peppers are growing at home. For example, some gardeners who grow peppers from seedlings believe that they don't need fertilizing until then. Others grow peppers without transplanting, but still apply fertilizer, so the decision here is up to each individual. The key is to rely on their own experience and the condition of the plants.

An approximate fertilizing schedule for peppers would be as follows:

1.      Fertilize the plant 14-16 days after germination. Use fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus. Solutions of Kemira-Lux and Kristalon are suitable for this purpose. You can also use superphosphate with urea (30 and 6 grams per bucket of water) or superphosphate with ammonium nitrate (30 and 12 grams).
2.      If the peppers are growing well, a second root feeding before transplanting is unnecessary. Instead, it's recommended to spray the seedlings with Zircon or Epin (follow the instructions carefully). This will help strengthen the peppers' immunity before transplanting.
3.      After picking, take a break to allow the plants to recover and recover from the stress they've experienced. Fertilizers are applied approximately 14 days after picking, using mixtures containing all three essential components: nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Use two or even one part nitrogen, and three parts potassium and phosphorus. Options:

•         superphosphate, ammonium nitrate and potassium sulfate;
•         the same superphosphate, but mixed with urea and potassium salt.

4.      For foliar feeding of seedlings during this period, use ready-made compositions Ideal, Aquadon-micro (dilute according to the instructions).
5.      The next feeding is done after the peppers are planted in a hotbed or greenhouse. Wait about two weeks (this is a good time to make an infusion of mullein or poultry manure) and then feed the peppers with organic matter. Herbal infusions and mineral fertilizer mixtures are also suitable. Each pepper should receive 1-1.5 liters of the solution.
6.      During flowering, peppers need all the necessary components, so they make a mixture of urea, superphosphate, and potassium nitrate (a spoonful per bucket of water) and fertilize the plants.
7.      Once the plants begin to form fruit, eliminate nitrogen and fertilize with phosphorus and potassium. Superphosphate and potassium salt (one tablespoon per bucket of water) can be used.

All fertilizing should be done not on dry soil, but in conjunction with watering the plants. Spraying should be done either in the early hours or after 5 p.m. in the evening, otherwise the plants may be burned by direct sunlight. For better absorption of all components, it's important to wet not only the top but also the back of the leaves.

Gardeners often underestimate the importance of foliar feeding, but in fact, with the right formulations, you can increase the number of pepper ovaries and speed up fruit ripening. These fertilizers also have a positive effect on pepper growth, prompting timely stem thickening and better adaptation during transplantation.

Next, we will consider various types of fertilizers for peppers (organic, mineral compounds, folk remedies), as well as possible indications for their use and timing.

Method of preparation and application of ash solution

One of the most popular fertilizers for peppers (and many other garden crops) is wood ash. It contains not only potassium and calcium, but also many other substances beneficial to plants. Wood ash contains about 100 different elements and microelements, and it helps deoxidize the soil and protects peppers from infections and a number of pests.

Ash is used in dry form (added to holes before planting, dusted with soil), and also used to make infusions for all types of fertilizers. Approximately 203 kg of ash is added to a bucket, filled with warm water, and left for two days. The solution should then be strained and the sediment removed. When spraying, it is recommended to add shavings of laundry soap to improve adhesion.

When applying root fertilizer, ash should not be added simultaneously with organic matter, for example, mullein + ash (it is recommended to alternate fertilizers).

Yeast

Yeast is widely used in pepper cultivation, both to accelerate growth and increase yield, and to improve soil structure. Two applications per season are sufficient for peppers; however, expired products should not be used.

The recipes for preparing the compositions are simple:

1.      Dissolve about 200 grams of yeast in warm water, add a little sugar, and let sit for two to three hours. Then, dissolve everything in a bucket of warm water and pour over the peppers.
2.      Dissolve yeast, sugar, and ascorbic acid in 5 liters of water. You'll need two tablespoons of sugar, half as much yeast, and only 2 grams of ascorbic acid. Add a handful of soil to the mixture. Let it sit for 24-30 hours. For additional nutrition, dilute the mixture with water, using a liter of the infusion per bucket of water.

This type of feeding is recommended for peppers approximately two weeks after planting them in greenhouses or hotbeds.

Green infusions

You can use this fertilizer on peppers every two weeks, and you can be sure the plants will reward you with a bountiful harvest. Nettle is most often used for this green "tea," although other herbs, such as plantain, chickweed, plantain, dandelion, and wormwood, are also suitable.

The herbs are chopped, placed in a container or barrel, filled to the top with water, sealed tightly, and left to steep for 6-7 days. When feeding, the infusion is diluted: one liter of the mixture per bucket of water. The green "mash" has a very distinctive odor, so it's best to keep the barrel containing the infusion separate and tightly sealed.

The green infusion is used for root feeding and is also suitable for spraying peppers.

Eggshells and onion peels

While peppers are growing indoors, you can feed them with infusions made from onion peels or eggshells. Thrifty gardeners shouldn't let any useful scraps go to waste, as many of them can be used as the basis for excellent fertilizers.

Making an onion "happiness" for peppers is easy, especially since seedlings don't require a lot of peels. Simply take about 10-15 grams of onion peels, pour warm water (2-3 liters) over them, and let it steep for 5 days. Then use the mixture to water the peppers. An infusion made from the peels can be prepared in the same way, using it both as a separate fertilizer and as a substitute for watering.

Banana peel fertilizer

To ensure plump, sweet, and large pepper fruits, the plant needs potassium. This element is essential at any time, but especially during fruiting.

In addition to mineral fertilizers, you can use banana peel infusions. This fruit contains a large amount of potassium, so banana infusions can also be used for fertilizing.

Of course, using the pulp is too wasteful (you'll eat it yourself), but the peel, which also contains a lot of potassium, should be saved, dried, and then made into an infusion to water the seedlings with. Banana peels are an excellent substitute for mineral potassium fertilizers.

Foliar feeding with iodine, potassium permanganate, and ammonia

To increase pepper yields and protect plants from brown spot, spray with a potassium permanganate solution. Simply dissolve 2 grams of potassium permanganate in a bucket and spray the peppers on the leaves.

If nitrogen is deficient, foliar feeding with ammonia can quickly replenish this element. Dissolve the solution in water and spray it on the peppers.

Iodine sprays also improve pepper fruit set and protect against pests. Use 10 grams of iodine tincture per bucket of water. Potato broth, which can be used as a watering agent, is a real booster for peppers.

How to use mineral fertilizers

We've already mentioned which mineral fertilizers can be used for peppers. It's important not only to follow application rates but also to prepare the mixtures correctly.

Urea, which contains nitrogen, is applied both as a root solution (60 grams per bucket) and as a foliar fertilizer (100 grams per bucket of water). It can also be applied dry before planting seedlings (apply no more than 10 grams per square meter to the soil).

Nitroammophoska is a very effective fertilizer for peppers. To do this, dilute a matchbox of the fertilizer in a bucket and water the plants with the solution during the flowering phase. Superphosphate should preferably be diluted in hot water; the recommended dosage for peppers is one tablespoon per liter of water.

Ready-made complex fertilizers are used strictly according to the instructions. Manufacturers typically specify the proportions, application time, and method of application.

For example, the popular Ideal fertilizer, created on the basis of vermicompost, is used both for root feeding and for spraying (before peppers bloom).

Kemira-Lux fertilizer contains potassium and phosphorus (over 20%), as well as nitrogen (approximately 16%), and also contains microelements beneficial for peppers. To water, dissolve 20 grams of powder in a bucket of water.

To improve the condition of peppers, promote good plant growth, and increase yield, formulations such as Krepysh and Rastvorin are also suitable. Epin is used to protect plants from stress and boost immunity.

The right approach to choosing fertilizers for peppers, and adhering to the application rates of all components, will allow you to obtain good harvests even under unfavorable conditions, while avoiding crop diseases.