The Grass Doctor

What is the best fertilizer for hot peppers?

I am growing Jalapeno, Cayenne, and Habanero peppers in containers this season and I am having trouble deciding the best way to feed them.I have bone meal 6-9-0, miracle-gro slow release pellets 10-10-10, and water soluble miracle-gro tomato food 18-18-21. Which should I use? Should I use one exclusively or perhaps a combination of some. Maybe they are all poor choices and I should go with fish emulsion? If anybody has had great success with hot peppers share your feeding regimen if you have one. Please share your expertise, thanks!

Public Comments

1. Go with the 18-18-21. But here are a few more things you should do, Get some Root Stimulator Liquid, and boost your roots after the plants are 6in. tall. Get some epsom salt and mix 3 tablespoons into a gallon jug of water,( also sprinkle and few epsom salts around the base of your plants, tomatoes too, a tablespoon will do), When you get flowers on your peppers, mist them with your epsom salt water every other day. just a little into the flowers. Your pepper will be the hottest you ever had, I mean the will lay welts on you if they come in contact with your skin, especially around the eyes and mouth. use the root stimulator 3 to 4 times a year. give then as much sun as you can, early morning to late night is best. You may need to name them, like "Just say no" You're Nuts" or what ever. Keep them watered evenly, no drying out and then flooding them, drip line or a soft watering every morning will work. But don't say I didn't warn you.They will be hot!