Did You Know? Peppers Can Come Back Next Year

Peppers are often grown as annuals in Canada, but they are actually perennial plants in warm climates. With the right care, a healthy pepper plant can survive the winter and can give you a head start on the next growing season compared to seedlings.

Before the first frost, you can prune your pepper plant and bring it indoors. Start by removing any remaining fruit, flowers, and damaged or unhealthy leaves. Trim the plant back, leaving a sturdy framework of branches. Check carefully for insects before bringing it inside.

Place the pruned pepper in a bright, sunny location and water sparingly through the winter. The goal is to keep the plant alive without encouraging lots of new growth. Some peppers may naturally lose leaves or become semi-dormant during the winter.

In late winter or early spring, gradually increase watering and light. The plant can then be encouraged to produce fresh growth and, once the danger of frost has passed, it can be moved back outdoors.

This method works for eggplants as well! Eggplants require a warmer indoor climate, and can survive 2 to 3 years. So, before you pull up those plants at the end of the season, consider giving them a second chance!