5+ Reasons Behind Peppers Not Turning Red + How To Fix

It’s obvious to worry if your peppers are not turning red, as red peppers have 11 times beta-carotene and 1.5 times vitamin C than green ones.

The pigments like capsanthin, lutein, carotene, etc., trigger the peppers to turn red or orange upon maturity.

So, go through this complete article to know the actual reasons behind the peppers not turning red with failproof solutions.

5+ Reasons Behind Peppers Not Turning Red With Solutions

Red pepper variety that isn’t fully matured or still green is completely edible. However, it lacks the sweetness and sourness of red fruits.

Some pepper varieties do not turn red even after they mature. However, you many need to worry if the peppers like that, tabasco, serrano, cayenne, etc, do not turn red.

1. Improper Watering

Improper watering, including both over and underwatering, is the main reason behind your peppers not turning red.

The underwater pepper plants cannot develop properly due to lack of water and focus on saving water. This leads to small and discolored pepper fruits.

Meanwhile, overwatering makes the soil soggy, causing severe root rot due to suffocation. Gradually, the fruits also start to rot instead of turning red.

So, water your pepper plant 1-2 inches per week. However, if you grow them in hotter areas, water the plants twice a day as per the plant’s needs.

Treatments And Preventive Measures

• Water your peppers only when the soil becomes 2 inches dry.
• Use a moisture meter for proper watering.
• If you want to grow peppers in pots, use terracotta containers with enough drainage holes.
• Also, apply the bottom watering method if the plant is extremely underwatered.
• Mulching around the base of the pepper plant can retain moisture.

2. Incorrect Temperature

Sometimes, too high or too low temperature can stop or slow down the maturity of your peppers.

Too high temperatures can reduce the moisture from the growing fruits and stop carotenoid development. Meanwhile, too-low temperature slows down the enzyme development in peppers.

So, grow your peppers, ensuring they get the proper temperature between 70-80°F.

Treatments And Preventive Measures

• During the hot summers, mist your peppers regularly to balance the temperature.
• Never place your peppers near cold drafts and heating vents.
• Use frost blankets if the temperature is too cold.
• Also, for the plants receiving too hot or too cold temperatures, move them to a location with moderate temperature.

3. Insufficient Sunlight

Sunlight is the main requirement for the plant to prepare food and supply to the whole pepper plant, including the fruits.

However, too much sunlight can increase the temperature and burn the plant, hindering the growth and development of the fruit.

So, to get the red peppers, you must provide your peppers with 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Treatments And Preventive Measures

• It’s good to plant the peppers in the pot to move them to the sun or shade.
• If you wish to grow them indoors, place the plant in the east-facing window.
• Use sheer curtains if the plant receives too much sunlight.
• Provide 12-14 hours of artificial light if the sunlight is insufficient.

4. Lack Of Maturity

The pepper plant produces fruits that are green in the beginning and turn red upon maturity. Basically, these fruits mature between 60-90 days, depending on the variety.

The fruits complete the cycle from green with a crunchy texture to very red, wrinkled skin with less flavor.

When the fruit is red but firm, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the sweetness. As the fruit starts to wrinkle, there is more possibility of fruit rot.

So, if your pepper is not turning red, it may be due to a lack of maturity. All you can do is wait until the fruits mature.

5. Pests And Pathogens

Pests and pathogens are another reason behind the peppers not turning red. Your peppers are susceptible to harmful fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Moreover, these harmful diseases are further spread by pests like spider mites, slugs, worms, beetles, etc. They feed on the sap of the fruits and leaves, making the plant nasty.

Treatments And Preventive Measures

• Pick and throw away the insect eggs or worms when you notice them on your plant.
• Isolate the plant if you notice a severe infestation to avoid spread.
• Trim the extremely damaged parts or throw away the entire plant if the damage is not recoverable.
• Use pesticides, fungicides, or neem oil to prevent further infestation.

6. Wrong Variety

Probably, your pepper is not turning red because of the variety. Some varieties forever remain green, and some turn brown, purple, and black upon maturity.

The varieties like Jalapenos, Blitz pepper, etc never change color and remain green until maturity. Meanwhile, some varieties, like Chocolate Habaneros, Black Pearl, etc., turn purple and brown when mature.

So, you must be cautious before buying pepper seeds from the stores. Also, buy the seeds from the reputed stores.