Why Are All My Peppers Wilting?

Temperature and Season

• Peppers are summertime plants, and are therefore sensitive to frost and cold temperatures. The plants do best at temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees and survive down to 60 degrees. Lower temperatures in spring or fall lead to foliage wilting and dieback. Frost at the end of summer indicates the end of the growing season. The Ohio State University Extension notes that temperatures over 90 degrees may also damage the plants.

Sunshine

• Peppers need full, bright sun and good air movement for growth, and fail in cool or shady plantings. Shade leads to yellowing and wilting leaves, and restricts both blooming and fruit production. Move shaded peppers to sunnier sites for better health and allow adequate spacing between the plants for air circulation. Peppers grow best at 18 inches in the row, with at least 24 inches between rows.

Soil

• The plants prefer warm, crumbly and nutritious soil with a high organic content. They fail in thick or poor soil, which restricts root growth, prevents water drainage and withholds nutrition. Turn compost and garden loam into the soil around the peppers to increase quality for healthy growth. If you're planting new peppers or moving them, turn 4 to 5 inches of organic compost into the top 10 inches of soil for planting.

Water

• All plants wilt and fade with lack of water, and vegetable plants are especially thirsty. Give pepper plants 2 inches of water every week to keep the soil moist and increase to 2 inches every four to five days in hot periods. Water them in the morning to ensure drying before nightfall. Lay 2 inches of organic mulch over the soil to protect moisture and keep the plants healthy.