Cynthia

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Cynthia bursts with glossy, lantern-bright sweetness—crisp-skinned cherry peppers that catch the light with a smooth, taut sheen and a refreshingly juicy snap.

At maturity (about 70 days), the fruits develop a vivid, fully ripe color and a pleasantly mild, peppery character that shines whether you savor them straight from the garden or fold them into vibrant, colorful preparations. Grow Cynthia for a compact, dependable harvest of bite-size peppers that bring instant charm to fresh salads, bright relishes, and tangy pickled jars.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Bush

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
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	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

Cynthia’s compact cherry size and crisp, juicy skin make it a “keep-the-bite” pepper—perfect for anything that needs crunch after dressing or brining. Its mild peppery edge plays nicely with sharp acids (lime/vinegar) and salty dairy without turning harsh or cooking down into mush.

Best Uses

snacking and quick-chop raw in salads—keeps crunch and doesn’t weep
quick vinegar relish or salsa—stays lively and glossy
hot-fast sauté with butter or olive oil for a sweet, pepper-forward gloss
quick-pickling for vivid, snappy brine bites

Flavor Profile

lantern-bright sweetness juicy, crisp snap with taut skin mild peppery warmth fresh, clean pepper finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime white vinegar olive oil feta cheese chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Capsicum annuum (sweet cherry pepper) and how can I treat it at home?

A common issue is aphids, which cluster on new growth and can spread viruses. Rinse plants with a strong spray of water, then apply insecticidal soap to the underside of leaves; repeat every 5–7 days for persistent infestations. If you see leaf spots with warm, humid weather, remove affected leaves and improve airflow to reduce re-infection.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase (after transplanting until fruiting)?

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim to water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. In hot weather this is often about every 2–3 days, but containers may need more frequent checks. Consistent moisture helps prevent flower drop and improves fruit set.

How do I tell when Cynthia (Capsicum annuum, sweet cherry pepper) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully sized and reach their mature color for Cynthia, with firm walls and a glossy skin. If you wait until the pepper is soft or wrinkling, it’s overripe for most sweet cherry types. Taste-test one fruit from the plant—harvest the rest when most are matching the same mature stage.