Sweet pepper "Nardello"

Peppers are primarily cultivated using the seedling method. If growing seedlings on a windowsill, note that south, southeast, and southwest-facing windows receive light for the longest duration. During the short days of March, supplemental lighting with fluorescent lamps is necessary, as ordinary incandescent bulbs generate too much heat and dry out the air. On windowsills, plants can also suffer from overheating caused by radiators. In such cases, shields made of film, plywood, or cardboard should be installed to divert hot air.
The timing of sowing seeds depends on the planting out date. Seedlings are planted out when the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to +10...+12°C.
In Estonian conditions, pepper seedlings are planted in unheated polytunnels in mid-May, and in heated ones in late April. The best age for seedlings when planting into the ground is 8-9 weeks. Consequently, seeds should be sown in early March.
"Epin" (0.1 ml per 2 L of water) increases germination rate and vigor. Soak seeds for 2 hours (using 2 ml of solution per 1 g of seeds). Alternatively, soak seeds in plain water at +25...+30°C for two days. Sowing occurs as soon as 3-5% of the seeds have sprouted. Use loose, nutrient-rich soil.
Peppers grow well only in soil with a neutral pH reaction. Therefore, acidic soils must be limed.
Peppers are grown either with pricking out (transplanting) or by sowing directly into pots (9-10 cm diameter) at a depth of 0.5-0.8 cm. If using the pricking out method, sow seeds in rows with 5-6 cm spacing, and 1 cm between seeds in the row.
After sowing, cover the container with transparent film to maintain constant temperature and high humidity. Remove the film upon the appearance of the first sprouts. Optimal soil temperature for germination is +25...+26°C. Sprouts typically appear on the 7th-8th day (mass germination by day 14-15). Prick out seedlings on the 15th-20th day after germination.
A seedling should have cotyledons and well-developed first true leaves. Delayed pricking out retards growth. Fertilize seedlings before pricking out twice a week with calcium nitrate solution (1 g per 1 L). After pricking out, water roots with a solution of potassium and calcium nitrate (1 g per 1 L). It is advisable to fertilize with microelements every 10 days.
Do not overwater the soil, as this leads to disease and rot. However, do not allow it to dry out, which causes growth stunting, stem lignification, and flower drop. After germination, maintain air temperature at +20...+21°C on cloudy days, +24...+26°C on sunny days, and soil temperature at +19...+20°C.
Plant peppers in beds (1 m wide) in two rows, 60-70 cm apart. Space plants 30-35 cm apart for tall varieties, and 20-25 cm for medium varieties (5-6 plants per sq. m). Before planting, add humus or compost to the hole (10-12 cm deep) and pour in 1-2 L of water. Gently transfer the seedling with its root ball into the hole.
After planting, compact the soil, water, and mulch with peat. Shade the plants for 2-3 days in sunny weather to ensure better establishment.