If your peppers aren't ripening, don't panic. There are obvious reasons why... and easy solutions.
Key points
Be patient. Some varieties take longer to mature than others.
Make sure your peppers get just the right amount of sun: not too much, not too little.
Avoid excess nitrogen in the fertilizer, as it promotes leaf growth rather than fruit ripening.
Try the “harvest a little, ripen more” trick to encourage faster ripening.
To speed up the ripening of harvested peppers, use the paper bag trick with a banana or an apple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ripening Peppers
Why do my peppers stay green so long?
Some varieties of peppers take up to four weeks to mature after reaching full size. Others, phone number library like green peppers, are bred to stay green permanently.
Can I pick green peppers and let them ripen directly from the plant?
Yes! You can put them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to speed up ripening using ethylene gas.
Do peppers ripen faster on the plant or off the plant?
Peppers ripen best on the vine, but if temperatures drop or there is a risk of frost, you can use the paper bag trick at home.
Why do my peppers have large leaves but no ripe fruit?
Too much nitrogen fertilizer promotes leaf growth instead of fruit ripening. Switch to a fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in potassium.
Will the peppers still ripen if I pick them early?
Yes, as long as they have reached full size, they can continue to mature indoors.
How much sun do peppers need to ripen properly?
Peppers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, but for faster ripening it is better to expose them to 8-10 hours.
Can heat stress prevent peppers from ripening?
Yes! If temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C), peppers may slow to ripen. Providing afternoon shade may help.
What is the fastest way to ripen peppers?
Using the paper bag method with a banana or apple can speed things up considerably. Removing some of the green peppers on the plant can encourage the rest to ripen faster.