by Cherry Kelly

Created on: September 27, 2008   Last Updated: May 06, 2011

BRINGING IN PEPPER PLANTS FOR THE WINTER

Peppers are among the easiest vegetable plants to bring indoors and winter over for the following growing season. Hotter type pepper plants seem to do the best indoors.

The first thing to decide is where will you set them when you bring them indoors. They need both sun and shade, which for most northern growers means a south window.

Next, which pepper plants do you pick? Of course you will want the healthiest ones growing in your garden. Next look at the stem. The pepper plants that are showing a woody stem will do the best. Choose two of these that you will dig and put into a large planter. Peppers have deeper roots, so pick a planter that is at least 10 to 12 inches tall and has an open area for bottom watering. Some planters have separate bottoms; some are built with half-cup shape watering openings. If you find a planter without bottom watering holes you will need to create drainage holes. Small half-inch holes are done with a drill. Holes can be in the bottom or 3/4 to 1 inch from the bottom on the sides of the planter. With the latter type of planter you will need to find something to set it in or on that is slightly larger than the bottom and will hold water.

Fill the bottom of the planter with small rocks or marbles with enough to cover the bottom. This allows for better water drainage. Take your planter outside to the garden, as you will leave it outside for at least the first day after you have potted your selected plants. IF there will be a frost, you will need to either carefully protect them outside, or bring them indoors for the first night. It is better if you can leave them outside for a day or two before taking them indoors.

When digging your pepper plants, the general rule is to dig the dirt as wide as the outer branches of the plant and the 10 to 12 inches deep on all sides of the plant. Gently remove the plant from the ground, remove some of the excess dirt. Dig both plants the same and set them into your planter. IF their roots do not reach the bottom of the planter, remove the plants and add some potting soil. Set the plants as close together in the planter as you can, add more potting soil to fill the planter. Gently tap the outside of the planter to help settle the potting soil. Add enough potting soil to almost fill the planter.

Once you have your plants in the planter, water thoroughly until water drips out from the bottom of the planter. Fill your plant holes with compost or potting soil and move on to your next group of peppers you want to bring indoors.

Do not worry about trimming your plants until they are settled in the planters. They will lose leaves, but for your best results, leave the branches alone as long as they remain green, as they will put on new leaves. Do remove any larger peppers, but you may leave new growing ones on the plant.

After they have settled in the planters you may take them indoors and put them in their winter home. Be sure to put them in the spot where you plan to leave them for the winter. During the first week you may need to add more potting soil and water lightly. Once they are acclimated to your home, water as needed.
When they bloom, you will need to pollinate the blossoms. The two best ways are: 1) gently shake the blossoms or stems they are on; or 2) use a Q-tip and rub the pistols in the flowers.

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