Bananarama

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Sunlit and sweet, Bananarama banana pepper pods glow in a cheerful yellow that ripens from pale chartreuse to warm golden tones, with a gently tangy, aromatic bite and a crisp, juicy snap.

The slender, banana-curved fruits hang in tidy clusters and hold their tender texture for fresh use, bright pickling, and vibrant pepper-forward sauces. Grow Bananarama for a long, satisfying harvest window—each pod is a small, flavorful ribbon of color ready to brighten your garden’s bounty.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Bush

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bananarama’s banana-curved pods deliver sweet, tangy pepper flavor with a clean, crisp juiciness—ideal when you want crunch and brightness, not burn. They also pickle beautifully, staying lively and ribbon-like instead of turning soft, which is why they earn a spot in anything from sandwiches to quick brines.

Best Uses

quick pickles (brine keeps the snap)
thin rings in salads where they won’t go mealy
banana-pepper relish for burgers and dogs
blend into a pepper-forward hot sauce that stays bright instead of smoky

Flavor Profile

gently tangy bite sweet, fruity pepper aroma crisp, juicy snap mild heat with a bright finish

Kitchen Pairings

white vinegar olive oil garlic lemon juice cream cheese sharp cheddar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Capsicum annuum (sweet banana pepper) and how do I control it?

Watch for aphids and whiteflies, which can cause sticky leaves and virus risk in Capsicum annuum. Spray plants with insecticidal soap (especially underside of leaves) every 5–7 days until pressure drops, and remove heavily infested leaves. Also keep the area weeded and avoid overhead watering to reduce foliar diseases like powdery mildew.

How often should I water sweet banana peppers (Capsicum annuum) during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruiting, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusting for heat and container size. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent root stress. In hot spells, check moisture daily for containers and water when the surface dries.

How can I tell when Bananarama sweet banana peppers (Capsicum annuum) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are firm, glossy, and have fully developed their expected color for your preference (often green early and turning yellow/ripe later). Most home gardeners harvest around 70–90 days after transplant for peppers in this group, but use fruit size and color more than calendar days. Cut peppers with scissors or pruners to avoid tearing the plant.