Habanero Pepper Soil Requirements

Starting Habanero Pepper Plants

• Many gardeners start the pepper plants indoors six to eight weeks before transplanting outside. Pots and flats are used to start the seeds. A daytime soil temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a minimum nighttime temperature of at least 50 degrees is required for successful Habanero seed germination. Under these conditions, the germination time is about 10 days. General-purpose potting soil is one type of medium for starting seeds.

Transplanting

• Habanero pepper plants do not tolerate cold, wet soil or frost. Transplant the pepper plants outside when the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm. Habanero pepper plants grow successfully in a range of soil types. They prefer a well-drained soil, high in organic matter, with a pH of 6 to 7. Sandy soil warms quickly and sometimes allows an earlier planting date. Habanero peppers grow well in heavier soils as long as the soils are well drained. Cultivate the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches prior to transplanting the pepper plants.

Fertilizer

• In general, Habanero plants require a moderate to high level of fertilizer. Perform a soil test to determine the level of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur. If any of the macronutrients are deficient, add fertilizer to the soil. In some areas, phosphorus is deficient and the Habanero plants benefit from the use of a fertilizer with a 1-2-2 ratio. This means the fertilizer grade is 5-10-10 or 8-16-16. The first number indicates the amount of nitrogen, the second number shows the phosphorus content and the third number refers to the potassium content. When calcium is deficient, Habanero plants may develop brown rot at the blossom end. Keeping the pH at the required level or supplying a fertilizer with calcium may prevent this condition.

Mulch

• Some gardeners cover the soil around the Habanero pepper plants with mulch made of ground black plastic. The mulch helps to increase the soil temperature, controls weeds, and conserves soil moisture. This often results in an increase in pepper yields.