Peppers
We speciailize in peppers of any colour and are committed to providing you with the best variety of taste, colour and quality.
The different development facets of varietal, taste, colour and quality of our pepper are supported by the strong off take commitment from our trade partners.
Nutritional Benefits
While oranges may be known for their high Vitamin C content, green peppers actually have double the amount of Vitamin C by weight that oranges and other citrus fruits have. Green peppers are also an excellent source of: Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Potassium, Vitamin E, Folates and Vitamin A.
The plant
Sweet pepper is a tender plant with green oval shaped leaves that narrow to a pointy end. The pepper is a determinate plant that grows through its growing season then dies back after production of its fruit. There are green, Red, yellow, white, purple, brown and orange pepper varieties. There are bell shaped peppers hence the name bell pepper, there are conical shaped peppers and smaller cherry peppers.
There are new indeterminate varieties, that can be pruned back, to produce new stems, leaves, flowers and produce new fruit continuously. They are mainly planted in greenhouses or warmer more temperate climates that allow for longer production periods.
Soil type and pH
They require fertile sandy loam to loam soils that drain well. As the roots are concentrated in the top 30 cm of soil they are sensitive to both drought and water logged conditions. Irrigation needs to be very well managed. There must be good humus in the soil or compost or organic material must be mixed into the soil prior to planting. The pH of the soil must be between 6.2 and 7.0. The closer to a neutral pH the better the peppers do.
Growth period
From seed to ripe fruit, being the coloured pepper (red, yellow, purple, white or orange) it can take up to five months to harvest. The green pepper which is the immature fruit can be harvested from eight weeks after planting of seedlings.
Irrigation
Blossom end rot
Blossom end rot is one of the more common pepper plant diseases. It is caused by a lack of calcium. This problem is easy to diagnose because the bottom of the fruit will have a black spot and appear to be rotting the inside of the pepper. It might look like there is a black hole in the bottom of the fruit. This problem can be solved by watering your plants more thoroughly so that the calcium in the soil can be absorbed by the roots and transferred to the plant.
Fungal infections
If the fruit is cracked or has a thin film of dust on it, you’re definitely dealing with a fungal problem. Additionally, you may see dark spots on the leaves or branches. This can be solved by using a fungicide that can be purchased in most garden centers. Also be sure not to water the tops of the plants. Wet foliage will encourage fungal problems to develop.
Insects
Other pepper plant problems are caused by insects. You might observe aphids on the underside of the leaves. You also may notice insect “trails” on the leaves or even holes in the leaves themselves. All of these symptoms indicate an insect problem. Choose a good insecticide and apply according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Fertilisation Timing
It is always advisable to have the plant area properly analyzed by your extension officer and soil nutritional advisor before planting. A general guide to fertilizing your peppers is as follows. Make sure the land is properly ploughed and levelled. During the final ploughing normally a disc plough is used apply a pre-planting application of between 800 and 1000 kilograms of a 2:3:4 (30) (a mixture of Nitrogen, Phosphates and Potassium) into the top 20 cm of soil.
If drip irrigation is used it is better to apply the equivalent in liquid fertilizer through the water over the first 4 weeks of growth and thereafter throughout the growing period to about 3 weeks before harvesting of ripe fruit. For overhead or flood irrigation apply about 250 kg of LAN per hectare at about 6 weeks after planting. This second application can be split in two at six and again eight weeks from planting.
Sowing and Planting Time
Wait at least 2 weeks after the last expected frost in your geographic area before planting any peppers. They love hot weather and full sun and won’t perform well if the soil is too cold.
Planting Method
Sweet pepper seeds can be directly sown but this is not generally the practice of commercial farmers. The seeds are sown in prepared beds or in seed trays. The seeds germinate and seedlings are made. Once the seedlings are established and about 15 cm tall and strong enough they are transplanted into the open field.
Fresh from the Kitchen
using Peppers
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers are a fancy way to serve peppers! They are so easy, delicious and impressive enough to serve for special occasions or special guests!
Easy Roasted Peppers
When grilling bell peppers, red, yellow, orange, and purple bell peppers are the sweetest. Mild peppers will benefit from the smokiness of the grill bringing out their natural sweetness.
Pepper Steak Stir Fry
This pepper steak stir fry is thinly sliced flank steak cooked with red and green bell peppers in a savory sauce. A quick and easy meal that tastes even better than take out!
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