In 2021, Nancy discovered an article online that referenced pepper plants as perennials. The article claimed peppers can live for years under the right conditions. Knowing Kansas’ winters are not considered the “right conditions” Nancy dug up three bell pepper plants from the garden. She pruned them back to the main stem and a few branches to promote dormancy and kept them in a sunny section of the attic through winter. Halfway through winter Nancy observed new leaves on the plants and eventually small peppers developed.
The next year, Nancy repeated this process. As new leaves developed, she removed them in an effort to force the plants to remain dormant. The plants did not survive the winter.
In fall of 2023, Nancy made her third attempt at overwintering pepper plants. Prior to the first freeze of the season, she transplanted three plants into “good sized” containers with new potting soil. Instead of removing all the leaves this time, she trimmed the plants back focusing on reducing size. Nancy again placed the plants in the attic and cared for them as she did her other houseplants. As anticipated, the plants had some leaf drop due to the change in growing conditions, but they also established new peppers. Fast forward to February and Nancy has been growing and enjoying garden fresh bell peppers for most of the winter.
One of the great things about gardening is the opportunity for continued learning and the creative process of experimentation with new strategies. Nancy’s curiosity about perennial peppers is a healthy strategy for developing new gardening techniques. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Nancy.
Are you a COMMUNITY GARDENER? We would love to write your story for an upcoming garden spotlight. Email Cynthia at cdom@ksu.edu.