How to Fertilize Peppers
Feed your peppers right for abundant, flavorful harvests
Quick Reference
Fertilizing by Growth Stage
At Transplanting
Mix compost into the planting hole. Add a light application of balanced fertilizer. Unlike tomatoes, don't plant peppers deep - keep them at the same level as in the pot.
Early Growth
Feed every 3 weeks with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Plants need moderate nitrogen to establish strong stems and leaves.
Flowering & FruitingKey Stage
Switch to low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer. Feed every 2-3 weeks. This encourages fruit production over leafy growth.
Peak Production
Continue regular feeding as plants produce heavily. Watch for yellowing leaves indicating nutrient depletion. A foliar spray of Epsom salt can help with magnesium.
Bell Peppers vs. Hot Peppers
Bell Peppers
- • Regular fertilizing for large fruit
- • Consistent nutrition = bigger peppers
- • Standard feeding schedule
- • More sensitive to nutrient stress
Hot Peppers
- • Similar needs to bell peppers
- • Some stress may increase heat
- • Can reduce late-season feeding
- • Generally more forgiving
Pro Tip: Epsom Salt
Peppers love magnesium! Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water and apply as a foliar spray or soil drench every 2-4 weeks. This helps with fruit set and prevents yellowing between leaf veins.
Signs Your Peppers Need Fertilizer
Nitrogen Deficiency
Yellowing of older/lower leaves, stunted growth, pale green color overall.
Phosphorus Deficiency
Purple tinting on leaves, poor flowering, slow growth.
Potassium Deficiency
Brown leaf edges, weak stems, poor fruit quality.
Magnesium Deficiency
Yellow between leaf veins while veins stay green (interveinal chlorosis).
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I fertilize peppers?
Fertilize peppers every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Start after transplanting and continue until a few weeks before your first expected frost.
What's the best fertilizer for peppers?
Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) early on, then switch to a low-nitrogen formula (5-10-10) once flowering begins. Avoid high nitrogen which causes lots of leaves but few peppers.
Do hot peppers need different fertilizer than bell peppers?
Hot and bell peppers have similar nutritional needs. Some growers slightly stress hot peppers (less fertilizer and water) to increase capsaicin levels, but this is optional.
Why are my pepper plants not producing fruit?
Excessive nitrogen causes leafy growth without fruit. Switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer once plants start flowering.