Dr Forest

Made by growers, backed by science

Handmade in Stockport

Our Chili & Pepper Fertiliser 4-6-8 is a carefully formulated blend of premium organic ingredients to produce a slow-release powdered fertiliser crafted exclusively for peppers that taste intensely sweet, tangy, and aromatically complex, with rich, consistent harvests all season long.

Using a proven 4-6-8 ratio optimized for superior flavour in peppers – supported by recent studies on organic and biological fertilization enhancing sugars, ascorbic acid, volatiles, and antioxidants – Dr Forest combines traditional, time-tested organic materials with premium regenerative ingredients to deliver an outstanding all-in-one pepper feed focused on maximum taste and aroma.

Benefits of Our 4-6-8 Organic Pepper Fertiliser

• Potassium Rich NPK Ratio: Precise 4-6-8 formulation – an optimal blend for exceptional flavor and aroma, with moderate nitrogen to avoid dilution of taste compounds, higher phosphorus for sweetness (sugars) and tanginess (ascorbic acid), and elevated potassium for complex volatiles and quality, backed by research on Capsicum nutrition.
• High Potassium Content: One of the higher potassium levels among major pepper-specific organic fertilisers – linked to documented increases in aroma compounds (e.g., esters, aldehydes for fruity notes), total phenols, flavonoids, and sensory scores for nuanced, rich flavor.
• Living Biology: Includes fermented biochar and effective microorganisms (EM) – proven to promote plant growth, suppress diseases, enhance microbial diversity, and boost secondary metabolites for enhanced aroma and nutritional density.
• Trace Mineral Boost: Enriched with mineral-rich seaweed meal, basalt rock dust, and clay minerals – providing trace elements that elevate antioxidants, extend shelf life, and improve stress resistance for more flavorful fruits.
• High Phosphorus Emphasis: Supplies ample phosphorus to drive sugar accumulation and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels – key for bright, sweet-tangy profiles prized in peppers.
• Premium Composition: A blend of 13 premium plant-based ingredients, including Yorkshire Polyhalite and Scottish Seaweed.
• Superior Harvest Results: Heavier crops of firmer, more uniform fruit with 15–25% longer shelf life compared to higher-nitrogen alternatives, plus elevated sugars, vitamin C, and aroma volatiles.
• Handcrafted Quality: Made in the UK in small batches by hand, ensuring consistency and care in every bag.
• Versatile All-in-One Solution: A single, convenient product suitable from transplant to final harvest – ideal for garden beds, raised beds, containers, and polytunnels.

Why use organic fertilisers?

1. Microbial nutrient processing: Nutrients in organic fertilisers, such as those from compost or bone meal, are in a form that requires microbes to break them down for plant absorption. This process generates secondary metabolites that enhance flavor and aroma – a key reason why organic peppers often excel in taste, scent, and nutrient density.
2. Reduced nitrate levels: Dramatically lower nitrate content in fruit (typically 30–50% lower compared to synthetic fertilisers) – resulting in cleaner, healthier, and better-tasting peppers.
3. Reduced pollution: Nutrients are not water-soluble, so they are much less prone to leaching. This prevents wastage during watering or rainfall and avoids nutrient runoff that could harm ecosystems, such as rivers.
4. Enhanced soil health: Dry organic fertilisers add organic matter to the soil, boosting microbial populations and diversity. This leads to improved crop performance across seasons and fewer disease outbreaks, as beneficial microbes outcompete pathogens.
5. Slow-release nutrient delivery: Ingredients like polyhalite & alfalfa meal provide a gradual supply of nutrients as they decompose, lasting weeks or months. This minimises the risk of nutrient burn and reduces application frequency.
6. Improved soil structure and water retention: Organic matter binds soil particles, enhancing aeration, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity for stronger root systems and greater drought resilience.
7. Support for biodiversity: They encourage beneficial organisms, such as earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi, fostering a balanced ecosystem that naturally deters pests and sustains long-term soil fertility.
8. Lower environmental footprint: Derived from renewable sources like composted plant materials or seaweed extracts, they reduce production-related carbon emissions and promote sustainable agriculture.

Directions for Use - Use this organic 4-6-8 fertiliser for balanced growth, fruit set, heat development, and enhanced flavour/aroma. Adjust based on plant response, soil fertility, and variety—e.g., superhots often prefer even lighter feeding for maximum capsaicin.)

Soil Preparation (Pre-Planting or Transplanting)

• Soil Beds/Raised Beds: Apply 75–200 grams per square metre. Work lightly into the top 10–15 cm of soil surface. This provides a gentle base for root establishment and flavour development without overwhelming young plants. Use lower rate for fertile soil and higher rate for depleted soils. 
• Single Plants: Mix 1.25 - 2 tablespoons (18 - 30 grams) into the soil around the plant when transplanting. Leave a 10 cm gap between the stem and the fertiliser ring to avoid root burn.
• Potted Plants/Containers: Mix 5–10 grams per litre of soil or potting mix. Mix thoroughly for even distribution. Peppers in pots release nutrients slower due to limited soil volume, so err on the lower side. We recommend lower rates to begin with if using mycorrhizal funghi so phosphorous doesn't inhibit colonisation. 

Ongoing Feeding Start applying fertiliser 10–14 days after transplanting (once plants are established and showing new growth). Apply every 2–3 weeks during active growth (vegetative to early fruiting), then reduce to every 3–4 weeks as fruits mature to focus on quality, heat, and aroma over quantity. Monitor for signs of excess nitrogen (dark green leaves, leggy growth, few flowers/fruits) and adjust downward.

• Rows/Beds: 75–120 grams each side per metre of pepper plants. Spread evenly along the row in a narrow band 10–15 cm from the stems, lightly scratch into the soil, then water in.
• Single Plants (In-Ground or Raised Beds): 2 tablespoons (30 grams) per plant. Sprinkle in a ring around the drip line (10–15 cm from stem) and incorporate lightly.
• Potted Plants: Apply 0.75–1 teaspoon (≈4–5 grams) per 10 cm in pot diameter.

Application Tips

• Use a tablespoon (not a dessert spoon). If unsure, 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon, or use weight measurements for precision.
• We recommend mixing the fertiliser with an equal amount of compost before application. This reduces dust, coats the granules in microbe-rich compost to aid slow nutrient breakdown, and supports the living biology (EM and biochar) for enhanced flavour/aroma compounds in chillies.
• Always water thoroughly after application to activate the slow-release nutrients, help them reach the roots, and prevent any minor surface buildup (especially important in pots). In hot/dry UK summers, water deeply after each application.
• Observe your plants and adjust:
  • Pale or yellow lower leaves → possible nutrient deficiency → increase toward higher end of range or apply more frequently (closer to every 2 weeks).
  • Excessive dark green foliage, leggy growth, or few fruits → too much nitrogen → reduce amount/frequency (stretch to 4 weeks or skip).
• This fertiliser includes calcium to help prevent blossom end rot—consistent even moisture (avoid over- or under-watering) is also key.

Late-Season Care Stop or reduce feeding in late season (e.g., after heavy fruit set or last 4–6 weeks) if plants are performing well—excess can reduce flavour complexity, heat levels, and capsaicin development. Ease off watering a bit when fruit is ripening—this concentrates sugars, acids, and volatiles for bolder, hotter peppers without cracking or splitting.

Additional Tips for Peppers

• Complementary amendments (mycorrhizal fungi, seaweed extract, etc.) remain highly recommended for boosting volatiles, antioxidants, and overall plant health.
• Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves if sensitive to dust. Organic and slow-release—safe for beneficial insects, pollinators, and soil health when used as directed.

Additional Tips for Peppers

• In hot/dry UK summers, water deeply after each application to activate the slow-release organics.
• Stop or reduce feeding in late season (e.g., after heavy fruit set) if plants are performing well—excess can reduce flavor complexity.
• Complementary amendments (mycorrhizal fungi, seaweed extract, etc.) remain highly recommended as below for boosting volatiles and antioxidants.

Supporting Research on Organic Fertilisation for Flavour and Yield in Peppers

• Studies (2020–2024), including trials on red sweet pepper cv. Topepo and meta-analyses: Organic fertilizers (e.g., vegetable residue compost) significantly enhanced total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), carotenoids, sugars, and aroma profiles (e.g., 179–208 volatile compounds like aldehydes for fruity notes) compared to other sources or controls, with increases of 15–50% in key flavor elements.
• Biological and organic fertilization trials (2023–2024): Combinations with AMF/biofertilizers boosted yield, acidity, phytonutrients (phenols, lycopene, β-carotene), antioxidant activity, and phytochemicals (e.g., chlorogenic acid, quercetin), with organic systems outperforming chemical for nutritional/flavor quality in sweet peppers.
• Global meta-analysis (2023) of 7859 data pairs: N + P + K + organic sources improved nutritional quality (e.g., vitamin C, carotenoids, total soluble solids) by ~12% on average, with vegetables like peppers highly responsive; higher relative P and K support sugars, vitamin C, and flavor.

Recommended Amendments to Enhance Results To further optimise flavour, aroma, yield, and overall plant health, consider incorporating these complementary amendments alongside your core fertiliser regime. Each has been selected based on robust scientific evidence showing benefits for peppers, particularly in organic or regenerative systems.

• Mycorrhizal Fungi: Inoculate seedlings or apply at planting (slurry method recommended). AMF extend root systems for better uptake, increasing fruit yield (up to 20–50%), soluble solids (Brix for sweetness), ascorbic acid, phenols, aroma compounds, and stress tolerance. Meta-analyses confirm higher antioxidants and sensory quality.
• Seaweed Extract: Apply as foliar spray every 7–14 days. Acts as biostimulant with hormones and bioactives; research shows boosts in yield (up to 65% under stress), soluble solids, flavonoids, vitamin C, and flavor profile, plus enhanced aroma and nutrient efficiency.
• Liquid Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum): Apply as soil drench every 2–4 weeks. Provides available calcium without pH change; trials link to firmer fruit, reduced disorders, better shelf life, and consistent quality in variable conditions.
• Additional Humic Acid (or Humic/Fulvic Acids): Use as soil drench every 2–4 weeks. Chelates nutrients, stimulates roots/microbes; studies report 15–30% higher Brix/sugars, antioxidants, and flavour/nutritional value.
• Cover Crops (e.g., Rye, Radish, or Legume Mixes): Sow in autumn/winter, incorporate as green manure in spring. Builds organic matter, suppresses diseases; long-term trials show enhanced pepper yields, soil health, and reduced issues.

These amendments align with regenerative principles, reducing reliance on inputs while maximising the potential of your 4-6-8 fertiliser. Start with soil tests to tailor applications, and monitor plant response for best results.

Dr Forest Organic Chilli & Pepper Fertiliser 4-6-8 is an evidence-backed, flavour-focused organic pepper fertiliser designed for maximum taste and aroma.