Successfully preserving pepper plants through the dormant winter season allows gardeners to enjoy established, productive plants the following year, skipping the seed-starting process and gaining a head start on the growing season. This practice involves preparing the plants for a period of dormancy by reducing watering and fertilizing, then providing them with a suitable environment to survive the cold months. The specific method chosen depends on factors such as climate, plant size, and available resources.
Maintaining pepper plants beyond a single season offers several advantages. Mature plants generally produce a larger and earlier yield compared to newly started seedlings. Furthermore, preserving heritage or particularly favored varieties ensures the continuation of desirable traits. This practice has likely been employed by gardeners for centuries, allowing for the consistent cultivation of specific pepper cultivars in regions with shorter growing seasons.
