The taste of sweet southern pepper has captivated not only the inhabitants of the region where it originates, but also those living in colder places. Of course, they faced the daunting task of growing this crop in completely unfamiliar, alien conditions. Through trial and error, farmers in Siberia and the Urals discovered the "Tenderness" pepper variety, which thrives in these regions.
About the variety
The "Nezhnost" pepper variety is a vegetable that has been tried and tested by generations of gardeners. It was included in the GOST register back in the 1980s. Gardeners and gardeners prefer it for its adaptability to any soil, frost resistance, and active resistance to diseases and various microorganisms that can harm plants.
The peppers have a delicate, thin skin and a pyramidal, slightly elongated shape. They are very juicy and fleshy, thanks to their walls, which reach 8 mm in thickness. The weight of a single pepper ranges from 90 to 115 grams. These qualities have made it so popular among farmers. According to reviews, this pepper is also the best for culinary use. It stuffs well and does not deform during cooking. It adds a rich flavor and a thick consistency to canned salads.
But, of course, eating fresh peppers, naturally rich in various vitamins and minerals, will provide greater benefits. Their qualities are preserved even after drying in the summer sun.
Natural benefits of "Tenderness" pepper.
Sweet peppers are a very healthy food. They contain a large amount of vitamin C, so eating them helps the body stay young, healthy, and full of energy. They boost metabolism, normalize the central nervous system, relieve mental stress, and even alleviate depression. Regular consumption of peppers lowers cholesterol levels and helps prevent atherosclerosis. Peppers are also very beneficial for people with high blood pressure and diabetes.
The fairer sex will also be pleased with the fact that it is a dietary product: low in calories, but at the same time nutritious.
It included:
- 92.0% - water;
- 1.3% - proteins;
- 4.9% - carbohydrates;
- 1.7% - fiber;
- 0.1% - fat.
Useful components:
Vitamins C, A, E, B3, B5, B6; as well as microelements - Mg, Ca, K, Na, P.
Growing a crop
The "Tenderness" pepper is grown using seedlings, as it should be planted at the end of winter, and the soil is not yet ready.
Working with seedlings
Before planting, the seeds should be sorted thoroughly and disinfected in a mild potassium permanganate solution (for at least 20 minutes). After this, place them on a damp cloth and allow the seeds to germinate in these conditions. They are ready to work after 15-17 days. Some gardeners also soak the seeds in stimulants, but those who prefer natural products avoid this extreme measure.
To plant the seeds, prepare individual cups filled with nutrient-rich soil. The soil should be thoroughly loosened to ensure adequate oxygenation. Fertilize the seedlings with Kemira Lux fertilizer. The seedlings can also be hardened off slightly. Place them under an open window for five minutes at first, then increase the time to 20 minutes.
Seedlings have their own timeframe: they should live in cups for about three months. In warmer regions, transplanting can be done as early as early May; in colder regions, early June is best.
The main thing is to wait out all frosts. Despite the variety's frost resistance, the young shoots are not yet ready for the weather.
Bedding
Plant the "Tenderness" pepper in a greenhouse or hothouse after all frosts have passed. Before planting, thoroughly clean and loosen the soil, which should be warmed to 15 degrees Celsius. Although the "Tenderness" pepper is called frost-resistant, this doesn't apply to the seedlings themselves.
Never plant the "Tenderness" pepper (or any other pepper) in a location where nightshade crops were grown. The soil must be mixed with sand, humus, and manure. Dig each hole 40 cm apart. Plant the pepper so that the leaves are not too high above the ground, a maximum of 2 cm, and then water.
Plant care
The seedlings will adapt to the new conditions in about 10 days. Covering them with plastic is essential. If the region is warm and the weather has improved, you can let them "breathe" fresh air during the day, but cover them again at night. During this period, they don't require much watering; you can simply lightly moisten the soil around the sprouts. It's best to use water warmed to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), and after watering, loosen the soil to oxygenate it.
The plant requires additional feeding, which can be done with a mineral fertilizer such as "Mullein," diluted 1/10. Other fertilizers are also used. For example, in the early stages, plants are fertilized with nitrogen fertilizers, and as the buds ripen, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are used. Be sure to strictly follow the instructions on the packaging. Overfeeding plants is just as harmful as underfeeding them.
To prevent the bushes from becoming overly green, trim off the lower young leaves. This will allow the bush to produce more fruit. Once the bush reaches 30 cm in height, trim the tops slightly.
In warmer regions, peppers ripen to a red color. In northern climates, however, it's best to pick them green and store them in a dark, warm place to ripen further. The location should be very well ventilated.
Disease prevention
The "Tenderness" pepper is undoubtedly considered the most disease-resistant, but it still requires special treatment. The most common diseases are:
- Phytophthora/late blight;
- Verticillium wilt (caused by fungi of the genus Verticillium);
- White rot.
These diseases can be avoided only through prevention:
- carefully prepare the soil for new plantings in the fall: remove it completely and loosen it;
- select seeds before using them and disinfect them;
- do not plant other crops nearby;
- weed the soil from the first week of sprouts appearing in it;
- never water with cold water;
- treat/spray the bush foliage with solutions of wormwood or celandine;
- use wood ash (according to the instructions) as a fertilizer;
- remove affected leaves;
- take good care of yourself and notice signs of disease in a timely manner.
Reviews from gardeners
The "Tenderness" pepper is not only delicious but also healthy. It easily thrives in any location and requires little physical effort to care for.
Olesya
"The high yield of the 'Tenderness' pepper amazed us from the very first time we tried it. A single plant can yield up to 30 peppers, both green and red. Since the peppers were growing right under our noses, the crop was, of course, well-maintained, but we didn't notice any significant labor costs."
Maria
"Very thick-walled, fleshy fruit, perfect for winter preserves. Once harvested, it can be stored for a long time in a cool place, which is also a plus."
Oksana
"It didn't take root in Siberia until the second year, but I realized my mistakes. Firstly, you shouldn't plant it where zucchini was previously grown. Secondly, in our area, you should transplant it not in May, but in early June, when the soil has warmed up well. You can harden the seeds by placing them in the refrigerator for an hour or two."
Svetlana
"I adore this pepper. It's tender, aromatic, delicious, and grows without any special conditions. The key is soil preparation and care to prevent disease."
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