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- General
The pepper belongs to the Solanaceae family. There are many varieties according to uses and customs in various countries, sweet or hot peppers, yellow, red or green. The most common varieties are the yellow Californian, and the sweet red pepper. The pepper likes relatively high temperatures and suffers in low temperatures, especially in the early stages. The optimal temperature is 18° - 28°. Below 12° there is no growth, however when the plant is mature it suffers also from temperatures of 8°. The temperature influences the flowering at a temperature of 20°, flowering will occur after 43 days. At 15°, flowering occurs after 100 days. However, at temperatures above 28° fruit-set does not occur, and at low temperatures, distortions of the fruit occur and the fruit is not attractive for marketing. The pepper is not sensitive to the length of the day, and therefore is able to grow anywhere.
- Data
- Soil
There are no problems with soil, however, it is necessary to maintain a high moisture level.
- Water
The pepper is sensitive to water stresses. Irregular irrigation causes the shedding of flowers and fruit. The pepper recovers slowly from water stress. The roots are found in the upper layer of the soil, therefore regular irrigation is necessary. Over-watering causes lack of aeration in the upper soil layer and other serious problems.
The water consumption per season is 650-900 mm.
| Plantage (days) |
0-10 |
10-30 |
30-50 |
50-75 |
75-105 |
105-end |
| Irrigation factor |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.8 |
0.8-1.1 |
1.1 |
- Fertilization
| Daily Fertilizer Requirements (Kg) per Hectare |
| Age of the plant |
0-10
| 10-30
| 30-50
| 50-75
| 75-105
| 105-end |
| Nitrogen |
2.4 |
3.5 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4.30 |
4.50 |
| Phosphorous |
1.8 |
1.5 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
| Potassium |
2.2 |
2.4 |
3.0 |
2.0 |
1.6 |
1.6 |
| Total per year
| 400 Kg Nitrogen/
hectare |
200 Kg phosphorous/
hectare |
260 potassium/
hectare |
It is important to give phosphorous fertilizer from the beginning since the plant requires phosphorous already in the early stages.
- Distances
Two rows per bed with 1.3-1.6 m between the centre of the beds according to variety. The distance between pairs, 0.3 - 0.4 m. It is possible to grow two pairs in a 1.8 m bed. The distance between the plants after thinning out is 0.3 m. Also possible to grow in single rows 0.8 between rows.
- Density
70-80 thousand plants per hectare in the autumn season. 35,000 in the spring.
Growing Seasons
Can be cultivated year round, however, as previously mentioned, it is necessary to take into account acceptable autumn sowing temperatures in order to achieve winter harvest, however this is under cover, and in tunnels.
- Nursery
The pepper may be sown or planted. The sowing is in a nursery two months before the planting time. 1,000 m2 nursery will suffice for plants for 1 - 1.5 hectares.
- Netafim's Recommendations
When sowing at distances of 0.3-0.4 between pairs, one lateral is sufficient. When sowing in rows, and the distance between the rows is greater than 0.6m, a lateral per row is necessary. Trials performed whereby one lateral was allotted to three rows failed completely. The distance between the drippers is according to the type of soil and varies between 0.4-0.8 m with closer spacing in light soils.
All the laterals are suitable. A large flow lateral is not necessary. The recommended irrigation cycles are 1-3 days. In winter the cycle is lengthened to 4 - 5 days.
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