Can You Grow Mild Greek Pepperoncini Peppers in the Midwest?

Selecting Seeds

• You can buy either hot or mild pepperoncini seeds, depending on your taste. Both varieties have the same growing requirements and both take about 70 days to reach maturity. All peppers like full sun and a warm climate, so they will grow well in the southern portion of the Midwest and are recommended for USDA zone 4 and warmer. Greenhouses, low-rows or cold frames can be used in northern zones to grow peppers, but results will vary.

Starting Seeds

• Start seeds indoors under grow lights or in a heated greenhouse six weeks before your last expected freeze date. Starting seeds earlier will allow for a longer growing season and increased harvests. Use a high-quality seed starting mixture in individual pots. Sow three seeds 1/4 inch deep in each pot and water well. Seedlings should emerge in seven to 14 days. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they are 4 inches tall and have their first true leaves.

Transplanting

• Begin hardening off -- acclimating plants to their outdoor environment -- after all possibility of frost has passed. Gradually move plants outdoors, starting with one hour the first day, two hours the second day, and so on until the plants have been outside all day and night. Once the plants are hardened off, they are ready to transplant. Dig a hole large enough to bury the root ball of each plant, 24 inches apart.

Maintenance

• Keep the area around your pepper plants clear of grass and weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Soil should be moist but not wet, so only water them when the soil is dry an inch below the surface. Infrequent, deep watering is preferable to short, frequent watering. Fertilize monthly with 10-10-10 fertilizer or by top dressing with compost soon after planting. Add 1 inch of compost as mulch around the young plants for continuous supply of nutrients all growing season.