SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Ace

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Ace to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Experience the vibrant crunch of Ace Bell Peppers, bursting with a sweet, juicy flavor that delights the palate.

Their thick, crisp walls make them perfect for fresh salads or as a colorful addition to your vegetable platter. With a striking glossy green hue that matures to a brilliant red, these peppers are a must-have for any home garden enthusiast.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Ace

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 7th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsJun 20th
Harvest BeginsAug 29th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)80
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ace bell peppers bring a thick, glassy crunch with a straightforward sweetness—no smoky heat, just juicy snap. They hold up in a fast pan or a roast, but they’re at their best raw when you want them to stay firm and brightly sweet on the first bite.

Best Uses

  • raw slicing for crunchy salads and crudités
  • quick sauté or stir-fry where they can stay snappy
  • roasting to coax out caramelized sweetness without collapsing

Flavor Profile

sweet, juicy bell-pepper flavor crisp, thick-walled crunch clean, mildly green vegetal finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil feta lemon chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem with Ace, and how can I stop it?
Ace often suffers from powdery mildew once warm days and humid nights arrive, showing as a white, dusty coating on leaves. Improve airflow by spacing plants and removing heavily affected leaves, then spray in the morning with a labeled potassium bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide and repeat as directed on the label. Avoid overhead watering so leaf surfaces stay drier, especially after the plants reach full leaf coverage.
How often should I water Ace during the main growing phase?
From establishment through the bulk growth phase (roughly weeks 3–9), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch, then let the soil drain so plants are not sitting in water. During hot spells, you may need to water 2–3 times per week, but always target the soil, not the leaves.
How do I know when Ace is ready to harvest after about 70 days?
Harvest when plants are at full size and pods/heads (depending on your Ace type) have reached their final color and fill—typically around day 70. If you’re unsure, check a sample: fruits should feel firm and mature through the center, with no green, underdeveloped interior. Harvest promptly once they’re mature to prevent quality drop from over-ripening.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Ace in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-06-20. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Ace.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Ace.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Ace in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-06-20. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Ace.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Ace.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

For this early, cooler-climate bell pepper type, keep seedlings warm and avoid transplanting until soil reaches at least 60°F and nights stay reliably above 50°F.