When and How to Pick, Dry, and Start Anew

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Q: Hello,

I have a bird pepper plant my aunt brought back from Florida. It has grown very well but I don’t know when they need to be picked. They are green and about a half-inch long. Can you tell me what they should look like and what size and color they should be? Also how do you go about drying them and what do you do to start a new plant next year?

Thank You,

Brian

 

A: Hello Brian:

It’s impossible to say what size they will be.  You will know when they turn red because they won’t grow any longer.  You can pick them in the green or red stage.  You can dry them in the sun or in a food dehydrator, or in an oven with just the pilot light on.  Since all peppers are perennial plants, you can winter over this plant in a bright window in your house.  To start a new plant, plant the seeds collected from a dried, red pod.

–Dave

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