When to Pick Banana Peppers – How to Grow and Care for Banana Peppers?

Banana peppers are the type of peppers that are pest-free and can attain their mature size. This is the famous type so every gardener should plant this type in his garden. Its other name is yellow wax pepper which makes it popular in the market. You can grow them easily as they are so delicious to taste.

Banana peppers are a versatile addition to any kitchen garden. When to pick banana peppers can make all the difference in making sure they reach peak ripeness and flavor. From planting to harvest, you need to learn all about it so that yield bountiful harvests throughout the growing season.

What are Banana peppers? 

You may listen to other names of the banana peppers in the market too, which are banana chilis and yellow wax pepper, etc. These exist in small and medium sizes that are considered to be the small and medium parts of the pepper family. These have an amazing mild and spicy taste.

They give a savory flavor to your meal. They can have different colors such as green, orange, red, etc.  When to pick banana peppers, it all depends on the varieties you are going to grow, and how you intend to use your harvest.

when to pick banana peppers

When you see that the pepper reached a length of almost 4 inches they are ready to harvest. It will also turn yellow which will be a sign to you that they are to be harvested. But if you want them more spicy then you should give them more time to ripen. 

When to pick Banana peppers?

When you grow the princess of growing pickled banana peppers in your home garden, your first step should be to learn about when to pick them up. If you pick them at the wrong time, they will be of no use, so you need to learn about the right time to pick them as it is tricky to do so.

It is recommended to pick banana peppers pickled when they completely turn yellow when they get mature and reach the bigger size. Their size should be 4-5 inches when they are picked up. If you want fruitful results then you should pick them at the right time.

When you pick them at the right you will succeed in getting Cayenne Peppers, Serrano Peppers, Bell Peppers, etc. and you will see a tangy and mild taste of the peppers. Otherwise, picking them at the wrong time will never please you.

how to pick banana peppers

If you want to save seeds to grow them next year, then you should grow the peppers fully ripened. At that time they will get red color and you will be able to grow them next season. You can eat the peppers anytime after they get mature. 

How can you grow banana peppers?

If you want to grow this plant in your garden, you can easily do so because it just requires your efforts and potential. You need to follow some steps to grow them in your home garden. The initial step should be the selection of the best soil and you need to put the soil in any container. 

The next step you should do is to add water and mix them properly. Now put the seed in it and tap them smoothly. Dig the deep hole for planting the peppers for each seedling. Then, put 1-2 seeds in every hole. After doing this, you need to cover them and spray the water daily. 

how many banana peppers per plant

Plants need some things like oxygen, water, and sunlight for their growth, so, provide them this by placing them in a warm area. 

How to care for banana peppers? 

If you want to grow your plnt healthy then you need to care about your plant. You can also have some companion plants with them to grow them fast. So, follow these steps:

Sunlight needs 

You need to know these plants need excessive amounts of sunlight for their absolute growth, so place your plants at the plant where they can get a sufficient amount of sunlight.

You should give them at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight so that they should grow properly. When you give them their desired sunlight, you will achieve the desired results as well.

Soil needs 

You need to learn the use of organic matter and manure in your soil for your banana pepper’s growth. This will be best for your plant’s growth.

how to know when to pick banana peppers

You can grow them in pots because some people love to grow plants in pots, so you should grow them in pots to get good results

Fertilizer requirements 

You know very well that plants need fertilizer to grow, you should fertilize plnt twice a year. This will enhance the growth of your plant. You can feed them organic vegetable fertilizer. 

Water needs 

You need to focus on the water schedule of your plnt. Follow a proper watering schedule but remember to avoid overwatering. You need to keep the soil moist and well-drained. 

Mulching

You need to know all about mulching so that you can control the weeds. You also need to use organic matter as it will remain moist. This is compulsory to do if you want your plant to grow.

when to pick hot banana peppers

Growing Tips

The following are some growing tips that you need to follow:

  • Select the place where you haven’t grown any nightshades for at least two seasons.
  • Select the location of the low nighttime temperature for your plants.
  • You have to provide them with 1-inch deep water once a week so that they can bloom properly.
  • The right way of watering the plant is to avoid watering it above the plant leaves.

How to pickle banana peppers?

The following are tips for harvesting banana peppers such as:

Harvest banana peppers in the morning

  • When you plan to harvest them, select the early time to harvest and avoid the time when the sun gets too hot.
  • Avoid harvesting them at night because at night they regain moisture.
  • Harvest them in the early morning because morning time they are juicier and crispier fruit.

Wear the gardening gloves

  • Wear gardening gloves before picking them, it is necessary.
  • If you don’t wear gloves, they will irritate your skin and eyes as well.
  • Wash your hands after picking them, before you are going to use the bathroom, or touch your eyes.

Snipping the pepper’s stem

  • Cut the stems instead of pulling them off.
  • They are brittle and can easily break so it will be best to cut them instead of pulling them.
  • Use the shears to cut them.
  • Before cutting, hold the stem and try to make sure that it doesn’t fall to the ground.
  • After cutting, you should sanitize the shears so that you can avoid bacterial attacks.
  • If you don’t have a pair of pruning shears, use your fingers to pinch the stem and proceed with the procedure.

Keep checking banana peppers

  • The plant usually robust new growth by producing flowers that bloom into more fruit after cutting.
  • So you need to recheck your plant from time to time.

Are Banana Peppers Spicy?

The sweetness of banana peppers often overshadows any heat, making them a popular choice for salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. While they can provide a slight kick, most people find them pleasantly tangy rather than overwhelmingly spicy. If you enjoy a little warmth without the burn, banana peppers are an excellent addition to many dishes.

Hot Banana Pepper Rings

Hot banana pepper rings are a zesty addition to various dishes, offering a delightful balance of heat and flavor. These rings are made from hot banana peppers, which typically have a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 500 to 5,000, depending on the variety. When pickled or jarred, they develop a tangy taste that enhances salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Their vibrant color and crunchy texture make them visually appealing as well.

Conclusion

Banana peppers are a versatile addition to any kitchen garden. When to pick banana peppers can make all the difference in making sure they reach peak ripeness and flavor. From planting to harvest, you need to learn all about it so that yield bountiful harvests throughout the growing season.

Pickling Banana peppers are the type of peppers that are pest-free and can attain their mature size. This is the famous type so every gardener should plant this type in his garden. Its other name is yellow wax pepper which makes it popular in the market. You can grow them easily as they are so delicious to taste.

FAQs

Do banana peppers like sun or shade?

Banana Pepper plants are sun lovers. They thrive with 6-12 hours of direct sunlight, favoring the gentler morning rays. Too little light and they become the botanical equivalent of a couch potato.

What not to plant with banana peppers?

Brassicas: Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are not good companion plants for peppers as they require similar nutrients from the soil, which can lead to competition and reduced yield.

How many banana peppers per plant?

Healthy plants can easily produce 20-30 peppers. Fruits should be snipped with sharp pruners or knives rather than hand-picked, which can break and split stems, damaging the plants. 

How to know when to pick banana peppers?

It’s best to pick banana peppers a bit on the earlier side after they surpass 4 inches and turn pale yellow. 

When to pick hot banana peppers?

Harvest Hot Banana Peppers when they reach 5-6” long and develop a firm skin.

​How to pickle banana peppers and make them spicy​?

Slice the peppers, pack them in a jar with garlic and spices, then cover with a vinegar solution and let them sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours.