Pepper

Cultivation Areas
In Jordan, peppers are seeded in two cycles:

The first: in months (August-September) in protected agriculture and areas of the Jordan Valley

The second: (February-March) in the remaining regions, especially Al - Mafraak.

Once seedlings have developed sufficiently in the nursery, they are transplanted valid, transport into land.

In the nursery, 100-150 g seeds are normally planted per donum

Main Varieties
Peppers can be classified into two categories - sweet peppers and hot peppers, Sweet peppers come in various sizes and colours, the fruits’ colours changing as they mature. Peppers grow best where summers are long and warm.

Apart from the standard bell peppers, specialty sweet peppers including pimentos are also grown. Small-fruited varieties are among the easiest peppers to grow.

Main Varieties
1. Sweet pepper type: California Wonder, Century, Skytia, Vedrana
2. 2-Hot pepper type: Siviri, Rush, Kapya, Darus

Use
Peppers are widely eaten fresh in salads. They are also used cooked in many different sauces and food dishes. Pepper fruits contain a high amount of vitamin C.

Markets
Peppers, especially the new hybrid varieties, are one of important crops in Jordan, used either for domestic consumption or export, the most popular varieties characterized by different colors (yellow-orange-red) and high quality. Exports to Europe are increasing (Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey) and the peak months are those winter months between December until mid-May.

Soil Type
Pepper is grown in different types of soil that is deep and rich in nutrients. Care should be taken to avoid areas where other Solanacea have already been grown.

Temperatures
Pepper needs to long and warm season growth. Pepper plants need high heat in the first half of their life 25-30 ° c to have a full canopy and moderate temperature of 20-25 ° c in the second half of her life to maximize flower and fruit set to grow. “Hot” varieties tolerate high temperatures more than sweet varieties.

Water Requirements
Peppers need plenty of water, especially in the hot, dry summer months. Pepper plants like moist soil and will acquire a bitter taste if they do not have enough. Even a short dry period can cause premature drop of flowers.

Nutrition Requirements
Fertilize well and as recommended, after having soil tested.

Harvesting Period
Harvesting peppers while they are still green encourage production of further flowers/fruits. Harvesting peppers when they are more mature (orange or red) effectively means lower pepper production. As long fruits when they are still immature (green), the plant will continue to produce more fruit.

Harvesting Methods
Immature (green) peppers are edible, although both flavour and vitamin content of peppers improve as they ripen to red, yellow or orange. Ripe peppers should be cut cleanly from the plant, leaving a small stub of stem attached.