414 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



peas should be treated with bisulphide of carbon at the 

 rate of I or 2 ounces to 100 pounds of seed. 



PEPPER (Capsicum annuum) 



564. History. According to De Candolle, the pepper 

 probably originated in Brazil. It is now grown in many 

 countries in nearly all parts of the world. 



565. Importance. The pepper is increasing in impor- 

 tance. Formerly, its culture was restricted to the hot, 

 pungent varieties, but the introduction of the sweet pep- 

 pers or mangoes has greatly extended its use. It has 

 become an important crop on many truck farms, espe- 

 cially in New Jersey and in other sections near the large 

 cities. The hot varieties are used for seasoning, while 

 the mild sorts are valued for pickling and stuffing and 

 to some extent for salad. 



566. Climatic requirements. Although this plant is 

 most at home in tropical and subtropical countries, it is 

 grown successfully in nearly all parts of the United 

 States. It is tender to frost, but does not require as high 

 temperatures as the eggplant. The conditions in South 

 Jersey and southward along the Atlantic coast are ex- 

 cellent for this vegetable. 



567. Soil. The pepper thrives best in a warm, deep, 

 fairly moist, fertile, sandy loam, although often grown 

 commercially on moderately heavy soils. The drainage 

 must be good. A southern exposure will hasten the ma- 

 turity of the crop and be favorable to the largest yield. 



568. Varieties. Peppers are divided into two classes; 

 namely, those which produce hot or pungent fruits and 

 those which bear mild or sweet fruits, which are also 

 called "mangoes." 



PUNGENT-FRUITED VARIETIES 



TABASCO produces an immense number of small, slen- 

 der, very hot, bright-red fruits from which tabasco 



