Growing peppers is a fun process that requires patience and knowledge.
However, sometimes circumstances force gardeners to look for ways to speed up the ripening of this heat-loving crop.
There are proven methods that allow you to bring the moment of harvesting juicy and aromatic fruits closer.
Lighting optimization
Pepper is a light-loving plant, and sufficient sunlight plays a key role in the speed of its ripening.
To speed up the process, the plants should be provided with maximum possible lighting. In open ground, this is achieved by the correct placement of beds - in sunny, wind-protected areas.
In greenhouses, additional artificial lighting can be used, especially on cloudy days or in regions with short daylight hours.
Temperature control
The ambient temperature significantly affects the ripening rate of peppers. The optimum temperature for the growth and development of fruits is 22-28°C during the day and 16-18°C at night.
In cool weather, you can use covering material or greenhouses to maintain the required temperature.
On hot days, it is important to prevent plants from overheating by providing sufficient ventilation and, if necessary, shading.
Proper watering and humidity
A balanced watering regimen promotes rapid ripening of peppers. Lack of moisture can slow down the growth of fruits, and excess can lead to root rot.
The best option is moderate but regular watering, keeping the soil moist.
It is important to avoid getting water on the leaves and fruits to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Proper plant nutrition accelerates the process of fruit ripening. During the period of fruit formation and growth, peppers need phosphorus and potassium. These elements contribute to the rapid filling and ripening of peppers.
You can use both organic (for example, ash or banana peel infusion) and mineral fertilizers.
It is important not to overdo it with nitrogen fertilizers, which can stimulate the growth of green mass to the detriment of fruiting.
Pinching and shaping the bush
Proper formation of a pepper bush can significantly speed up the ripening of the fruit.
Pinching the tops of shoots and removing excess branches allows you to direct nutrients to the development of existing ovaries.
This is especially effective at the end of the season, when you need to speed up the ripening of the last fruits before the onset of cold weather.
Removing excess flowers and ovaries
At the end of the season, when there may not be enough time for all the fruits to fully ripen, it is recommended to remove new flowers and small ovaries.
This will allow the plant to concentrate all its energy on bringing already large fruits to maturity. This technique is especially relevant for regions with a short growing season.
Use of growth stimulants
Modern biological growth stimulants can speed up the ripening process of peppers. These preparations contain phytohormones and other substances that activate metabolic processes in plants.
However, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for use so as not to harm the plants and not get fruits with an increased content of chemicals.
Harvesting technically ripe fruits
Regular harvesting of technically ripe (having reached normal size but not yet changed color) fruits stimulates the plant to form and fill new ovaries.
This is especially effective for varieties with a long ripening period. The harvested fruits can be brought to biological ripeness at home.
Creating a greenhouse effect
In open ground, you can speed up the ripening of peppers by creating a local greenhouse effect.
To do this, individual plants or small beds are covered with transparent film or non-woven material, leaving room for ventilation.
This method is especially effective in cool weather or at the end of the season.
