Originated in Rock Hill, the pepper known as the "Carolina Reaper" is the Worlds Hottest Pepper.

Originally ranked as world’s hottest in 2013, the Reaper was tested again in 2018 with an even higher SHU. (71,000 SHU higher to be exact) This gives the reaper a renewed title as World’s Hottest!

That got us wondering what other interesting vegetables find the South Carolina climate ideal?

Well, first of all, peppers...of course.

Peppers


Peppers prefer a day temperature of 70 - 85°F day temperature and a 60 - 70°F night temperature...which makes the ideal crop for most of our Southern state. When growing peppers in the Grand Strand Area, transplant your seedlings at the very beginning of April for the Spring and The last quarter of July for the fall harvest.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a hardy perennial that is native to the Mediterranean. Once the plants are established, they will provide delicious spears every spring. Although asparagus takes two to three years to begin production, it will be highly productive for seven to eight years before gradually declining. Start asparagus from 1 to 2-year-old disease-free crowns and plant in a location with good drainage and sun. In the Grand Strand Area, you should start planting the crowns in January. If planted too late in the spring, your asparagus may get a bit shocked and start sprouting early thus injuring the developing buds.

Onion

Onions and the related shallots, leeks and garlic all grow best during cool weather and are usually planted in the fall in South Carolina for late spring harvest. Onion plants can also be planted in early spring for summer harvest. Leeks are planted in late summer or early fall for winter harvest. If growing in coastal regions, plant seeds in fall and transplants mid February. Planting in raised garden rows will ensure better drainage and make pulling the soil away from the bulbs easier at maturity

Garlic

Garlic grows best in full sun with good drainage and loamy soil. Garlic must be planted in the fall. Plant early enough in the season (September - October) because vegetative growth ceases when the actual garlic bulb starts developing in the warmer days of spring. Your garlic will be ready to harvest when the leaves begin to yellow as summer begins ( May - June )

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that prefers average temperatures of 65 to 75 F for best growth. Like many cruciferous vegetables, broccoli doesn't fair very well in the heat, turning bitter. For growing in the Grand Strand Area, it's best to start transplanting around mid February for the spring and mid August for the fall. Broccoli is ready to harvest 65 to 70 days after planting transplants.

Cucumber

Cucumbers love South Carolina’s weather. They grow best around 75 and 85 F. These plants are not cold hardy at all and can be killed by light frosts. Start planting cucumber transplants late March for the spring and early August for summer.  Your cucumber plants should be ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick as often as you want to avoid oversized fruit, the more you pick the more the vine will start to produce.

Knowing all this, it's time to get busy planning your garden! If you’re interested in some land with acreage, call us!