Peppers
Peppers
Key Requirements
| Land | Low to Medium |
| Labor | High |
| Capital | Medium |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Stands
- CSA
- Restaurants
- Local Grocery
- Auctions
Pests & Disease
Bacterial spot remains a serious risk to pepper plantings in many parts of the state. Other disease that may result in crop loss include Phytophthora blight, viruses, anthracnose fruit rot and bacterial soft rot. The most important insect pest of peppers is the European corn borer.
$14,600
Cost per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
$(188)
Returns per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
- Must be handled carefully to prevent skin breakage and punctures that could lead to decay.
- Annual soil tests are recommended to establish how much potassium and phosphorus is needed for the crop
- Colored bell peppers are more difficult and expensive to produce due to a longer time to mature.
Opportunities
- Growing hybrid bell pepper varieties in double row on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch and drip irrigation has resulted in high yields of peppers.
- Consumers are continuing to use more and more peppers each year