Organic Pepper Seeds

The best organic peppers offer great variety

Choices of peppers at the supermarket are often limited to a few varieties—sweet bell peppers and jalapenos if you’re lucky. Wouldn't you love a little more diversity than that?

Peppers are known as one popular vegetable on the “Dirty Dozen” list. Meaning, conventionally grown peppers are likely to be contaminated with chemicals. Instead of buying pricey, polluted peppers at the supermarket, why don’t you grow your own this year?

How to grow organic peppers at home

These heat-loving annuals are hardy in zones 4 through 10. Organic peppers can be direct-seeded or started indoors two months before the last spring frost, but wait until the soil is at least 70. Be patient—peppers take some time to mature and produce fruit, but the wait is so worth it!

Companion plants for organic peppers

Organic peppers resist many common pests, and this makes peppers a friend of many other vegetables in your garden. Consider intercropping varieties like Anaheim chili with radishes, chard, or carrots—these crops help control weeds and are harvested before peppers, allowing pepper plants to expand to fill the space. Just take care to not overwater the pepper plants, as they are susceptible to root rot. If you live in colder climates, you can still enjoy garden-fresh peppers! Try using landscape fabric or grow your peppers under plastic for the healthiest plants.

When to harvest organic peppers

Start organic peppers in groups of three, and eventually thin one out and transplant the remaining two together. Space pairs about a foot and a half apart. Some organic pepper varieties appreciate the support of a stake or wire cage. Mulching the row with wood chips or straw will retain moisture in the soil, which also works to the plants' benefit. Harvest organic peppers when the fruit fills out and ridges appear. Organic peppers may be harvested when green, but the flavor improves when the fruit turns orange and red.

Organic chili peppers are loaded with Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory agents. Eating organic peppers may also lower high blood pressure and soothe digestion. Not only that, but chili peppers also contain cancer-fighting compounds and work to mitigate migraines and sinus infections!

Freeze organic peppers for future meals

There’s no reason not to grow your own when organic peppers are so low-maintenance. Include organic peppers in the garden alongside your organic tomatoes and organic onions. Just think of all the salsas you’ll make, stuffed bell peppers, and grilled chilies all summer long! Chopped peppers freeze well, so when you’re eating chili and roasted bell peppers in midwinter, you’ll be tasting your summer garden.

Eden Brothers carries more than six varieties of sweet peppers and hot chiles! Why not trial them all this season?

For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting organic pepper seeds, see the Pepper Seeds Planting Guide.