Most gardeners treat pepper plants as annuals, meaning they only last one year and they start new plants every year. But, technically, pepper plants are perennial. They can last many years if they are cared for correctly. The biggest concern is this time of year is getting them ready for the up coming winter.
Reduce Feeding
During the heat of the summer pepper plants are growing rapidly and producing many peppers. This growth and production requires fertilizers to provide the nutrients needed. As the temperature cool down so does the growth and production. With this reduction in growth, feedings should be reduced gradually. About a month from the first expected frost date all feedings should be stopped.
Harvest Frequently
Harvesting peppers as soon as they are ready, and sometimes slightly before they are ready, will increase the yield of any plant. As winter approaches new buds will stop forming, and removing all peppers from the plant will help it direct its energy to survival over the winter.
Trim/Prune
Trimming any branches, or parts of branches, that are dying, struggling or infected will help a plant conserve energy. A branch that has a lot of dying leaves will take energy from the plat trying to heal the bad parts.
Prepare Indoor Area
In Zone 9 there are not many days of frost, but for the days that the temperatures drop bellow 55 it is best to bring pepper plants indoors. During this slow-to-no growth period the plants will not need as much light as they did during summer, but they still require light and feeding. A south facing window is a good place to keep the plants. Water them as often as is needed to keep the soil moist, but not wet.
A well cared for pepper plant can last many years and be quite productive!
