Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, a distinctive variety of the Solanaceae family and Capsicum genus, are favored by home growers for their sweet and juicy characteristics. Their growth cycle has distinct stages, and mastering key cultivation techniques can significantly increase the fruiting rate. The following text provides a step-by-step explanation of home cultivation essentials, from environmental control to daily management.
Precise Control of Environmental Conditions
Temperature Gradient Management
Seeds require a constant temperature environment of 15-25°C during the germination stage, and seedlings should be kept at a daytime temperature of 20-22°C. During the fruiting stage, the day-night temperature difference should be maintained between 5-8°C, with daytime temperatures below 28°C to promote sugar accumulation in the fruit and night-time temperatures not lower than 12°C to avoid frost damage.
Regulation of Light Intensity
During the seedling stage, at least 12 hours of scattered light is needed daily, and when using supplementary lights, a distance of 30cm for illumination should be maintained. During the fruiting stage, set up a sunshade net to block midday intense sunlight, and maintain a light intensity of 6000-8000Lux to prevent sunscald.
Core Techniques for Water and Fertilizer Management
Intelligent Watering Solution
Use the immersion method combined with a spray irrigation system to maintain pot soil moisture at 60%-70%. Water twice a day in summer, early morning and evening, and water once at noon in winter. When using ceramic pots, increase the watering amount by 20% compared to plastic pots.
Scientific Nutrition Ratio
Apply a compound fertilizer of N-P-K 10-15-10 during the seedling stage, with a dosage of 50g per square meter. Add calcium and magnesium fertilizers during the flowering stage to prevent blossom-end rot, and apply a mixture of decomposed fish intestines and wood ash during the fruiting stage, at intervals of 15 days.
Optimization of Plant Morphology
Stereoscopic Pruning Technique
When the main stem reaches 30cm, pinch the top to retain 3-4 primary branches. Use the V-shaped pruning method, promptly remove inner branches and old leaves at the base to maintain ventilation and light penetration.
Manual Pollination During Flowering
Use a soft brush to gently sweep the pistil from 9-11 am to assist in the pollination process. Remove the first flower to promote the development of lateral branches, and retaining the third to fourth layer of inflorescences can improve fruit quality.
Comprehensive Prevention and Control of Diseases and Pests
Biological Control System
Hang yellow sticky traps to control aphids, and release predatory mites at a ratio of 1:100 to control red spiders. Regularly spray onion extract to effectively prevent powdery mildew.
Physical Barriers
Use non-woven fabric for fruit bags, with a diameter of 15cm suitable for most varieties. Cover seedlings with an anti-insect net with a mesh size of 40, which can block more than 90% of pests.
Home Cultivation Practice
Choose a breathable ceramic pot with a diameter of over 25cm, and prepare the substrate according to the ratio of coconut bran: earthworm manure: perlite = 5:3:2. For north-facing balconies, use full-spectrum plant lights to supplement light for 4 hours daily. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure, and retain 6-8 high-quality fruits during the fruiting stage to ensure concentrated nutrition (G-Y).
Through refined environmental control and scientific management, home cultivation of bell peppers can achieve annual production. It is recommended to establish a cultivation log to record key data such as temperature and fertilization, and gradually optimize to form a personalized cultivation mode. Pairing with companion plants such as tomatoes and basil can create an efficient balcony ecosystem.