Why fertilise pepper according to growth stage?
Each growth stage of pepper has different nutrient needs. If fertilised incorrectly:
- The vine struggles to produce shoots or flowers, or drops fruit
- Mealybugs, nematodes and fungal diseases develop more easily
- Fertiliser is wasted and the soil is affected long-term
The right fertiliser at the right time is key to healthy, long-lived pepper.
Pepper growth stages & nutrient needs
| Stage | Growth goal | Fertiliser needs |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment (0–2 years) | Develop stem – roots – canopy | Balanced NPK, organic matter, root stimulants |
| Flowering – fruit set | Stable flowering and fruit set | More phosphorus – potassium – micronutrients |
| Fruit fill – berry firmness | Large, firm, bright berries | High potassium, with calcium – magnesium |
| After harvest | Recovery – new shoots | Organic + root stimulant + microbial products |
Detailed fertiliser schedule for pepper
| Timing | Fertiliser type | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Start of rainy season (after harvest) | Well-composted manure, NPK 16-16-8 | Helps recovery, stimulates roots |
| 30–45 days before flowering | NPK 15-5-20 + Mg + B | Supports flower-bud differentiation |
| 2–3 weeks after fruit set | High potassium (KNO₃), Ca + Mg + Zn | Feeds fruit – reduces fruit drop |
| Near harvest | Light potassium, micronutrients | Bright berries with firm cores |
Add Viet-up 90 when spraying foliar fertilisers to improve uptake, especially in the rainy season.
Tip: How to check for nutrient deficiency or excess
- Pale young leaves that yellow easily → nitrogen deficiency
- Yellowing in the middle of the leaf, veins still green → magnesium deficiency
- Young fruit drop, weak branches → calcium, potassium deficiency
- Small fruit, poor berry fill → micronutrient deficiency (Zn, B)
Important: supply nutrients based on symptoms – avoid fertilising by guesswork
SEO keywords used in this article: #BonPhanCayTieu #PhanBonHoTieu #LichBonPhan #CayTieuNangSuat #Vietcropchem #VietUp90
[NEWS 7/10/2025]