Calico

Family: Solanaceae Ornamental Pepper

A riot of color from the moment the first fruits blush on—Calico pepper delivers glossy, lantern-like peppers that ripen through vivid bands of cream, chartreuse, and fiery red, like a painter’s palette held upright.

The flavor is bright and piquant with a crisp, snappy bite, making each pepper a vivid accent for fresh display and bold, colorful preparations. Ideal for gardeners who want ornamental impact as well as a lively, peppery character in every harvest window (about 70 days to maturity).

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

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	Aug 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Calico’s ornamental look comes with real pepper bite—crisp, snappy, and fast to awaken the palate, so it shines when you keep it short-cooked. Use it where its crunch still matters: quick pickles, fresh salsas, and blistered-and-stuffed applications.

Best Uses

quick-pickling for crunchy pop against fatty foods
slicing raw into tacos and citrusy salsas where they stay crisp
broiling or blistering then stuffing with creamy fillings (they hold shape)
chopping into stir-fries near the end to keep bite and color

Flavor Profile

bright, piquant peppery heat snappy crisp bite fruity, slightly grassy sweetness through the color bands

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic cotija cheese chicken black beans olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest is most likely to hit Capsicum annuum “Calico,” and how do I control it?

Watch for aphids and especially spider mites on the undersides of Calico pepper leaves, which can cause stippling and leaf drop. Spray plants with a strong stream of water first, then use insecticidal soap (or horticultural oil) and repeat every 5–7 days until no new mites/aphids appear. Avoid excess nitrogen because fast, tender growth attracts more sap-suckers.

How often should I water Calico peppers during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruit set (most of the 70-day run), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for water about every 2–4 days depending on heat and container size. The top 1 inch should dry slightly between waterings; if leaves wilt at midday repeatedly, increase frequency, but ensure drainage to prevent root rot. Mulch around the stems helps keep moisture steady for pepper fruit development.

How can I tell when Calico peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and the color has clearly shifted to the mature Calico pattern (not just partially colored). Gently lift and twist the pepper; mature fruits should detach with minimal resistance, and unripe peppers will often look smaller and stay firm without full color.