The seed should be sown about the middle of March, in the hotbed, if
wanted for summer use, and as soon as the nights are warm they should
be planted out. They can be sown in the open ground if the fruit is not
wanted for use before fall. As they are used in preparing various kinds
of pickles, etc., it would probably be the better plan to plant some
at both times. When about six inches high, they should be transplanted
to the rows where they are to fruit, and should be set about two feet
apart in the row. Where room is scarce, I usually set two pepper plants
between each hill of cantaloupes, as they grow well above the vines
and are not at all in the way, while having the ground shaded from the
hot sun by the vines of the melons, the surface being kept cool and
moist by their broad leaves, is of great advantage to the peppers.
In choosing varieties, those kinds having the mildest flavor and
handsomest appearance should be selected.