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The cultivation of paprika
Afrikaans | Xhosa
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Paprika is a biennial, shrub-like plant that is sensitive to low temperatures. Temperatures ranging from 24 to 30°C are most suitable for paprika cultivation.
At present, open-pollinated cultivars such as UF 15, Papri Queen and Papri King are being used. Papri Queen shows the best results in terms of yield, lodging resistance and quality. Paprika is sensitive to a shallow water table and also to alkaline and brackish soils. If paprika is planted on soil with a high clay content, it must preferably be on beds so as to improve drainage. |
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Regarding soil preparation, paprika requires a finely cultivated seedbed with good drainage. The ground must be as level as possible. Before the paprika is planted, the soil must be fertilised with 2:3:4 (30) fertiliser, at 450 kg per ha.
During the first two weeks after the paprika has been planted, the plants require 50 to 100 kg of LAN per ha. During weeks 6 to 8, 14 to 16, 20 to 22 and 31 to 32, 1:0:1 (36) fertiliser can be applied at 200 kg per ha. The plantlets are planted in October, as soon as there is no more danger of frost and the soil temperature is higher than it was during the winter. It is recommended that between 40,000 and 50,000 paprika plants be planted per ha. This is accomplished by planting them in double rows that are 1,6m apart. The two rows in a double row are approximately 30cm apart. The space between the plants in a row is 23 to 25cm. |
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Irrigation immediately after planting is very important so as to ensures root contact. Plants must be planted in wet soil, after which they must regularly be irrigated lightly for the first two to four weeks. It is most important to apply sufficient water during and after flowering, otherwise there cannot be a good harvest.
Paprika is extremely sensitive to weed competition. At present, most breeders are making use of mechanical control. Care must be taken, however, not to damage any plants. Mechanical cultivation should be limited to a minimum, because this, together with wind, rain and insects, contributes to the spreading of virus diseases. |
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Paprika is ready to be picked when the pod can be wrapped around one’s finger without it breaking. |
PP Brink
ELSENBURG / NORTH WEST ADC
