When to Pick Peppers?

rabbithutch

Master of the Pit

Original poster

OTBS Member

Oct 15, 2011

1,600

48

Up in Thin Blue Smoke in Temple, TX, USA

• May 27, 2012

• #1

Some time back I posted asking if peppers cross pollinate (they do). Since then my plants have started to produce. I have Cubanelle, Sweet Banana, Cayenne, and NM Sweet Jim. Some of the peppers are 4-5 inches long but still very green. Should I let them stay on the plant until they start to color? This is the first time I've ever fooled with peppers. They are all in pots and get good sun. They are watered about every other day unless they show drooping leaves.

 

diggingdogfarm

Master of the Pit

Jun 23, 2011

4,648

177

Southern Tier of New York State

• May 27, 2012

• #2

The only time i would remove them from the plant to ripen is if there's a danger of frost.



~Martin

 

oldschoolbbq

Legendary Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Jul 16, 2008

9,359

205

NW Ohio - outside Toledo

• May 27, 2012

• #3

Hutch , I would let the NM Chiles go to 'Red' for good mild flavor... Green is 'Hot' with these. the Cubans should be done when a consistent Carmel color and the Bananas green . The Cayenne I would let go till brilliant 'Red'.

Roast the NM's and peel them for a really tasty Burger...Cuban and Bananas go with Steak well and the Cayenne , well???

You'll get more suggestions , this is what I do...except I but from the local people , I don't grow stuff well...

 

southernsausage

Meat Mopper

May 27, 2012

295

11

Tupelo, Mississippi

• May 28, 2012

• #4

If craving a fresh pepper then pull it and enjoy the fruits of your labor! If planning on canning then maybe wait until have enough on the plants to harvest respectable amount. We love chiles here and do all sorts of things with them. Enjoy!

 

lght

Meat Mopper

May 26, 2008

255

14

Sunny Southern California

• Jun 12, 2012

• #5

I've grown hundreds of different types of peppers over the years and I always try every pepper green and fully ripe.  Some peppers have great flavor green or not fully ripe like Jalapeno (they turn red when fully ripe) and some don't.  It's just a matter of preference.

 

southernsausage

Meat Mopper

May 27, 2012

295

11

Tupelo, Mississippi

• Jun 21, 2012

• #6

THE Pepper GURU's are the family at chileplants.com...We buy our plants from them. They also sell peppers in bulk. The mail-order system is great and their website is top-shelf. They leave no stone un-turned and are very knowledgeable and helpful!

 

rabbithutch

Master of the Pit

Original poster

OTBS Member

Thread starter

Oct 15, 2011

1,600

48

Up in Thin Blue Smoke in Temple, TX, USA

• Jun 21, 2012

• #7

Thanks, ss!

Great resource to have.