Nothing stops blossom end-rot on peppers, so take steps to prevent the problem.
Lack of calcium commonly causes blossom end-rot. It starts as a small black spot on a developing pepper where the blossom dropped off the bottom of the fruit. This spot gradually increases in size as the fruit grows. The area turns tan and flattens or becomes concave with a leathery texture. Nothing really stops blossom end-rot once it starts, but several natural substances or practices can prevent the problem.
Instructions
1. Take a soil test of the area where the peppers grow. Follow the directions on the test-kit package to determine the pH or acidity of the soil. Soil registering around 6.5 should contain enough calcium; if your test registers a lower number, add 1 to 2 lbs. gypsum to 100 square feet of soil. This must be applied several months prior to planting, so if blossom end-rot appears in the current year, apply the gypsum in time for planting the following year.
2. Apply fertilizer sparingly in balanced proportions because rapid growth from excess nitrogen can spur blossom end-rot. Use fertilizer with nitrate nitrogen as plants easily take in this water-soluble composition. Avoid fertilizer with ammoniacal nitrogen because excess ammonium ions can interfere with calcium absorption.
3. Water pepper plants evenly and regularly. Stress from drought often causes blossom end-rot so keep soil continually moist. Pepper plants need 1 inch of water per week.
4. Avoid harming roots when weeding or cultivating soil. Root damage inhibits the intake of calcium.
5. Mulch pepper plants to retain moisture and keep the soil at an even temperature.
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