- Use clean, sharp garden shears or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
- Hold the pepper with one hand and cut the stem with the other. Leave a small portion of the stem attached to the pepper, about 1/2 to 1 inch, to help prolong shelf life.
- Be gentle when removing peppers to avoid damaging the plant or other fruit.
- Harvest peppers carefully to prevent bruising or puncturing, which can lead to spoilage.
3. Frequency: Peppers will continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season, so you can harvest them as they reach the desired size and color. Frequent harvesting encourages the plant to produce more peppers.
4. Post-Harvest Care: After harvesting, store peppers in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to a week or longer. If you have an abundance of peppers, consider preserving them by freezing, drying, or pickling.
Remember that individual pepper varieties may have specific requirements or considerations, so it’s always a good idea to refer to the seed packet or plant tag for information specific to your peppers. Additionally, personal preferences for ripeness and flavor can vary, so you can adjust your harvesting time to suit your taste.