Merlot Sweet Pepper Plant

Merlot is a gourmet sweet pepper due to its unusual color, thick crunchy walls and remarkably sweet flavor. This beauty starts off green, then turns white before finally turning to a Merlot purple color once its fully mature. This highly productive plant also offers excellent disease resistance.

Our Merlot Sweet Pepper Plants are grown with a commitment to natural methods, ensuring they're healthy and robust. Guaranteed to arrive alive and thriving!

Planting Instructions:

• - Transplant when soil temperatures reaches 60°F

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-6.8
• - Add compost or aged manure (in the fall before planting)

Watering Specifics:

• - Water consistently
• - Avoid overwatering, which can lead to blossom end rot

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting. We recommend Espoma's Tomato Tone.

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch off early blossoms to encourage stronger plant growth

Pollination:

• - Self-pollinating, but benefit from insect and wind or mechanical movement

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for aphids, flea beetles, and cutworms
• - Monitor for signs of bacterial spot or other diseases

Harvesting Indicators:

• - Harvest when peppers reach desired size and color
• - Cut rather than pull to avoid damaging the plant

Storage:

• - Store unwashed peppers in the refrigerator for up to a week
• - Can be frozen for longer storage

Companion Plants:

• - Basil: Improves flavor and repels pests
• - Onions: Deter pests
• - Carrots: Loosen soil for pepper roots