Bull Horn Pepper

1. Site and Soil Selection

• Light: Requires full sun for 6–8 hours daily.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, rich in organic matter. Ideal pH: 6.0–6.8.
• Temperature: Prefers warm climates (20–30°C). Does not tolerate frost.

2. Starting Cultivation

• From Seeds:
  ◦ Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.
  ◦ Use seed trays or small cups.
  ◦ Plant seeds at a depth of about 0.5 cm.
  ◦ Keep the soil moist and warm (around 25°C) for germination.
  ◦ Seeds germinate within 7–14 days.
• From Seedlings: You can purchase ready seedlings and plant them directly after the risk of frost has passed.

3. Planting in the Ground or Pots

• Transplant seedlings to the garden or pots when they reach a height of 10–15 cm.
• Leave a spacing of 40–50 cm between each plant.
• If planting in pots, choose containers with a minimum diameter of 30 cm.

4. Care

• Watering: Regular, but avoid overwatering. Keep the soil moist, not soggy.
• Fertilization: Use organic fertilizer or a balanced NPK (10-10-10) every two weeks.
• Support: Plants may need stakes when they are heavy with fruit.
• Pruning: Remove old lower leaves to improve airflow and prevent disease.

5. Common Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Such as aphids, red spider mites, and whiteflies.
• Treatment: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Diseases: Such as rot and powdery mildew — prevent with proper spacing and avoiding overwatering.

6. Harvesting

• Fruits begin to ripen 70–90 days after planting.
• Harvest peppers when they are mature (usually red or orange, depending on the variety).
• Use scissors to cut the fruit to avoid damaging the stem.

7. Additional Tips

• Bullhorn peppers can be used fresh, dried, or pickled.
• In colder regions, you can grow them in a greenhouse or indoors near a sunny window.