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2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Planting Density and Fertilizer Placement Effects on Giant Marconi Peppers Grown in Sub-Irrigated Containers

Thursday, July 25, 2019
Cohiba 5-11 (Tropicana Las Vegas)
Gary R. Bachman, Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi, MS
Christine E. H. Coker, Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi, MS
Patricia R Knight, Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, Poplarville, MS
Jenny B. Ryals, Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, Poplarville, MS
Corey Wheeler, Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi, MS
Concerns of fresh produce sources and safety continue to drive the increased interest in establishing home vegetable gardens. This is especially true in urban situations where the perception that a large garden spot is needed and only small spaces are available. Sub-irrigated containers offer a successful gardening system for gardeners with limited space such as small yards, porches, or even balconies to grow vegetables.The goal of this project was to grow at three planting densities and two fertilizer placements the 2001 All-America Selections winner Giant Marconi pepper (Capsicum annuum “Giant Marconi”) in sub-irrigated containers. The commercially available sub-irrigated EarthBox (EB) was the system used. Following the home owner instructions, each EB received pre-plant dolomitic lime (2 cups) mixed into the container mix (Sunshine #8). Fertilizer treatments consisted of 10-10-10 (1 cup) applied in a band either longitudinally or transversely across the top of the container mix each EB. Giant Marconi pepper plugs (Knox Nursery, Apopka, FL) were grown out in 4-inch cups for one month and transplanted into the sub-irrigated containers on May 26, 2018. Planting density treatments were 2, 4, or 6 transplants per sub-irrigated container. Fruit were harvested approximately every 14 days beginning on June 27, 2019 and ending on November 8, 2018. Data collected included the total number of fruit harvested (both usable and culls), fruit weight by planting density and fertilizer placement. Planting density of 2 and 4 plants per EarthBox had similar harvest results and both were significantly greater than the 6 plants per EarthBox. Longitudinal fertilizer placement, regardless of planting density, resulted in significant greater fruit harvested compared to transverse fertilizer placement for all measurable data except culls. Information on potential harvest from vegetables grown in sub-irrigated containers like an EarthBox is valuable for the home gardener with limited growing space to meet family needs.
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