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Peppers are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family, as are potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants. Widely cultivated around the world, peppers add their distinct flavors to mild or quite spicy dishes.
To grow peppers, sow seeds indoors, 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, 8 to 10 weeks before the Chicago area's average last frost date of May 15. Seeds germinate in 7 to 10 days when provided with 75- to 80-degree temperatures Fahrenheit.
When grown as annuals here, peppers thrive in heat and should not be planted outside until nighttime temperatures are above 55 degrees.
Plant 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 3 feet wide. Pinch off the first blossoms to encourage healthy root development. Mulch the soil to retain moisture, keep weeds at bay and insulate the plants against cold. Harvest when green and mature in size. Use scissors to snip stems.
Serves 4
Old-World Pizza with Asiago and Red Peppers
Makes 4 sandwiches