When to pick? (growing, tomato, peppers, plant)

[Rickcin]

I’m growing what’s labeled as Garden Salsa Hot Peppers in 5 gallon buckets and I’m wondering how I know when there are ready to be picked?

Also growing Chile peppers and they are tiny at this point but still have the same question. Thanks

[mitopcat]

Originally Posted by Rickcin

I’m growing what’s labeled as Garden Salsa Hot Peppers in 5 gallon buckets and I’m wondering how I know when there are ready to be picked?

Also growing Chile peppers and they are tiny at this point but still have the same question. Thanks

They'll turn red at one point, or a different color. You can leave them on the plant for that. The less green the better. Some turn darker the hotter they get, like a burgundy, dark red color.

If you do happen to take them off early, i.e.: they fall off or you take them off, set them in the sun to dry, or do the "tomato paper bag trick".