Peppers
Capsicum annuum
Warm-season vegetable available in sweet and hot varieties
Growing Conditions
- Full sun
- Rich, well-draining soil
- Warm temperatures
- Consistent moisture
- Good air circulation
Common Problems
Blossom End Rot
Cause:
Calcium deficiency or irregular watering
Solution:
Maintain consistent moisture, add calcium
Organic Treatments:
Crushed eggshells or calcium spray
Synthetic Treatments:
Calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0 + 19% Ca)
Visual Description:
Dark, sunken areas develop at the bottom (blossom end) of peppers. The affected tissue starts as a water-soaked spot that becomes brown to black and leathery.
Sunscald
Cause:
Direct sun exposure on fruits
Solution:
Maintain healthy foliage cover
Organic Treatments:
Balanced organic fertilizer for leaf growth
Synthetic Treatments:
Balanced NPK fertilizer (10-10-10)
Visual Description:
White or pale yellow patches appear on the side of peppers exposed to direct sun. These areas become papery and sunken, often with a bleached appearance. The damaged tissue may become dry and wrinkled, sometimes developing gray or white mold. Affected areas are more susceptible to rot and may develop secondary infections.
Aphids
Cause:
Small insects feeding on plant sap
Solution:
Insecticidal soap, beneficial insects
Organic Treatments:
None - pest issue
Synthetic Treatments:
None - pest issue
Visual Description:
Tiny (1/8 inch) green, black, or gray insects cluster on young leaves, stems, and flower buds. Leaves may curl or become distorted. Sticky honeydew secreted by aphids can lead to black sooty mold growth. Plants may appear stunted, and severe infestations can cause leaf yellowing and drop.
Bacterial Spot
Cause:
Bacterial infection (Xanthomonas)
Solution:
Remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering
Organic Treatments:
Synthetic Treatments:
Copper-based bactericide
Visual Description:
Small, dark brown to black spots appear on leaves, stems, and fruits. Leaf spots are usually angular and water-soaked initially, becoming brown and papery. Fruit spots start as small, raised blisters that become brown, rough, and cracked. Severe infections cause leaf yellowing and drop.
Flower Drop
Cause:
Temperature stress or poor pollination
Solution:
Maintain optimal temperature, hand pollinate
Organic Treatments:
None needed - environmental issue
Synthetic Treatments:
None needed - environmental issue
Visual Description:
Flowers fall off the plant without setting fruit. This often occurs when night temperatures are too high (above 75°F) or too low (below 58°F). Affected flowers may appear normal but drop suddenly. The plant may continue to produce new flowers but fail to set fruit.
Leaf Curl
Cause:
Environmental stress or pest damage
Solution:
Check for pests, maintain consistent conditions
Organic Treatments:
None needed - stress response
Synthetic Treatments:
None needed - stress response
Visual Description:
Leaves curl upward or downward and may become thick and leathery. New growth may be distorted or stunted. If caused by pests, tiny insects may be visible on leaf undersides. Environmental stress can cause similar symptoms without visible pests. Severe curling can reduce photosynthesis and fruit production.
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