Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
75 (Spring/Summer)
Growing Habit
Bush
Hardiness
Very Tender

Very tender, they can't stand cold weather or frost.

Crops
Spring Transplant
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Warm, Hot

Peppers originated in the tropical highlands of Central and South America and grow best with warm (70 to 80˚ F) days, cool (55 to 65˚ F) nights and high humidity. If the soil gets above 85˚ F you can cool the soil by applying mulch and watering frequently with cold water.

Outdoor Growing Temp
60°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
65°F

The soil must be warm (at least 65° F). If necessary you could use black plastic mulch to hasten warming.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
No
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)

Full sun. In very hot climates they may benefit from light shade.

Water
Moderate

Pepper plants are somewhat drought tolerant (especially Hot Peppers), but lack of water can affect fruiting, so they should be kept moist for best production. Drip irrigation works well with Peppers.

Sweet Peppers are particularly vulnerable to water stress when fruiting, so keep the soil evenly moist. If not given enough water, the fruits can develop a slightly bitter flavor (and may get Blossom End Rot).

Don't leave water on the leaves overnight as this encourages disease.

Feeder
Heavy

Low nitrogen. High potassium. High phosphorus. Peppers are fairly hungry plants and require lots of phosphorus and potassium, but not too much nitrogen (which may result in big vigorous plants, but few fruits).

Suitability
Needs summer shade
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel

Choose a container at least 16" in diameter. A container with drainage holes is a necessity in order to successfully grow peppers. Cover the holes with weed cloth, newspaper or any other similar material and then fill with potting soil. Peppers love warm weather and will not thrive if temperatures are either too cold or too hot. Place peppers in full sun in warm climates, but be sure they have access to shade in hot temperatures. Keep well-watered. Stake to keep fruit off the ground, mulch for disease and weed control.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Glossy green > Orange > Red-orange
Fruit Size
2.0 - 2.0"
Plant Height
30.0 - 30.0"
Plant Diameter
10.0 - 12.0"
Hardiness Zone
4-12
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

This flavorful pepper is ideal for chili sauce, salsa, hot pepper vinegar, and for pickling. Very hot whether green or red. Dries easily.

Rotation Group
Fruits: Solanaceae + Cucurbits