4M 
VEGETABLE GARDEN I KG 
peas should be treated with carbon tetrachloride. Pea 
blight and mildew are sometimes serious diseases. 
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 
