Setup, Compatibility & Care
Planting:
- Ensure plants are acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting. If frost is still a risk, keep them in a protected environment.
- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Space plants approximately 18-24 inches apart.
- 'Padron' chillies are well-suited for container gardening. Use pots at least 12 inches in diameter with good drainage holes.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering slightly once fruits begin to develop.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks once flowering begins. A fertilizer slightly higher in potassium can encourage fruiting.
- Support: While plants are upright, they may benefit from staking if heavily laden with fruit.
- Harvesting: Pick peppers when they reach the desired size. For mild, sweet peppers, harvest when green. For more heat, allow them to turn red. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.
Compatibility:
These plants are generally compatible with most common garden vegetables. Companion planting with herbs like basil can help deter some pests.