You Should Start Watering Pepper Plants When...?
This is a common question. The simple answer - Begin watering pepper plants when they need it. Such a sarcastic answer, I know. Seriously, peppers should be watered in moderation. In general, pepper plants are usually thirsty and need a fair amount of water. However, they don't like it if their roots are constantly sitting in waterlogged soil. Well tilled soil should drain fine, but still allow adequate water to penetrate the root system. It is normal for pepper plants to wilt slightly in the mid-day heat during summer months. They will usually recover overnight. If they are wilted in the morning hours, it's time to start watering.
When watering pepper plants, concentrate your efforts where the stem meets to soil. Avoid watering to the tops of the plants as this can encourage diseases and fungi to develop.
Click here to learn more about diagnosing pepper plant diseases. A drip irrigation system will work nicely, but they can expensive to purchase and install. A soaker hose can be just as effective. Don't use a spray nozzle on the end of a regular garden hose as you may accidentally damage the plant. You're also more likely to get too much water on the tops of the plants. Instead, use a water jug or place the open end of a hose at the base of the pepper plants and run the water slowly.
If no rain falls, watering pepper plants every week is a good idea. You should check the moisture level of the soil every few days. Use your fingers and dig down 3-4 inches in the soil next to the plants. The soil should be moist, but not wet and sticky. If it's dry, it's time to water.
It's a good idea to water plants in the morning hours. This will allow the mid-day sun to evaporate any excess water. Avoid watering plants in the evening as wet plants sitting overnight are more likely to develop fungal problems.
Do your best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. This will encourage your pepper plants to produce high quality and high quantities of fruit.
These watering tips also apply to pepper plants grown in containers. A container with good drainage holes will prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
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Pepper needs water as every other crop does. However, you should be extra careful. If you over or under hydrate them, they can die.
Many gardeners find it challenging to grow these hot plants to maturity. But I like a challenge!
I have to admit that no plant gave me this much headache when it came to watering. However, I mastered the craft of watering peppers, and so can you.
This article will give you information on how often to water pepper plants and everything else you need to know.
Water pepper plants once a day during spring and fall. During summertime, you can water them up to two times per day. Keeping to this routine avoids overwatering, which could kill the pepper plants.
The Number Of Times To Water A Pepper Plant
Container pepper plants can be watered once every 24 to 48 hours. It can be during the fall or spring when the weather is stable.
However, when the temperatures are high during the summer season, you should water at least twice a day.
Temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius mean that you should water once a day. But if temperatures are above 28 degrees Celsius, consider watering your plants two times every 24 hours.
However, you do not need temperatures to figure out if your pepper plants need water. I make sure the soil’s dry first.
Even if the temperatures are high, and the soil is still soggy, wait a few more hours to hydrate your plant.
If you are overwatering your pepper plants, they will show you some signs, such as turning yellow around the leaves. Why?
As stated earlier, overwatering drains nutrients around the roots, which prevent them from reaching the leaf system.
The Amount Of Water A Pepper Plant Needs
As we mentioned earlier, you should try to find a balance between giving these plants too much water and too little of it.
While they need hydration to grow well, overwatering can lead to their death. This is a mistake I made that cost me almost all my pepper plants.
The first time I watered these plants, I overwatered them. This led to stunted growth and they eventually died.
According to my research, excessive watering forms a wet and humid environment for the plant, opposite to the dry climate that it thrives in.
This wet humid environment proves best for some pests and diseases. Overwatering also removes the nutrients found in the root system, which prevents absorption.
Lastly, it prevents the absorptions of oxygen by the roots. Oxygen is necessary for many processes during plant development, including the transportation of nutrients.
Time of the Day Best to Water Pepper Plants
Morning hours are the best time to water pepper plants. This is because the heat from the sun will dry out any excess moisture and prevent the soil from becoming soggy.
Night-time watering can be dreadful for your pepper plants. It can lead to overwatering and later development of diseases and fungi.
Keep in mind that these plants only need to have moist surroundings, not a lot of water.
However, you can put other liquid nutrients at any time of the day. The recommended time is during the night so that your plants can have enough time to absorb all of them.
If you add these nutrients during the day, the water may evaporate and make it hard to absorb.
What Happens When You Overwater Pepper Plants
Blossom end rot is a result of overwatering in these plants. To avoid this in my pepper plants, I only water after the soil shows a sign of drying.
I have to keep monitoring them now and then to ensure they have adequate moisture.
If the plants are wilting, look at the soil. Is it dry?
If you are not sure, use your finger. Dip it in the soil next to the roots, and if it comes out dry, it is time to water your plants.
If you feel some dampness in the soil, you don’t need to water your plants.
How to Tell if the Plant is Dry
There are a few ways that can let you know when the plant is dry.
Feeling The soil
It is a simple method that will let you know if the soil around your plant needs water. As stated earlier, use your finger to feel the soil and push it under the surface about an inch level.
If your finger comes out dry, your pepper plant’s already thirsty.
Look At The Leaves
Leaves start wilting if your pepper plant is excessively dry. They are also delicate to touch.
Once you notice this, water your roots immediately. It means that the plant is almost completely dried out.
Use a moisture Meter
A moisture meter can help you keep track of moisture levels, especially if you are growing outside. It is an inexpensive method that lets you know the water level through electricity conduction.
When the meter reads dry, it’s finally the right time to water them.
Does Watering Affect Pepper Heat: The Answer
All types of hot peppers do not have the same level of heat. Factors such as water, weather, and other conditions affect the heat in peppers.
If the peppers are overwatered, the plants struggle, and it reduces the heat. The higher the amount of water, the lesser the capsaicin production, which means ‘cooler’ peppers.
If you want extreme hot peppers, let your plant dry out until leaves wilt before starting the watering process again.
Frequently Asked Questions about How Often to Water Pepper Plants
Do Pot-Grown Peppers Need More Water Than Ground-Grown Peppers?
Peppers in the land don’t require frequent watering. Pots and containers can fry out at a faster rate compared to land. The best thing to do at this point is check for the soil’s dryness through a finger test. If your finger is dry after this, water your plants.
Does Underwatering Lead To Hotter Peppers?
Capsaicin production in plants is affected by the amount of water that goes into the plant during growth. If you wait until the plants wilt to water your plants, it will give you spicier chili peppers.
Conclusion
Pepper watering can be tricky. Overwatering them can lead to death.
But with the proper technique, you can have a healthy bunch of hot peppers.
Author Bio
Daniel Iseli
Taking care of houseplants and gardening are my greatest passions. I am transforming my apartment into an urban jungle and am growing veggies in my indoor and outdoor garden year-round.