Jupiter

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Crisp and juicy from the first bite, Jupiter bell peppers ripen to a glossy, deep crimson-red that looks as rich as it tastes.

The flesh is thick-walled and pleasantly sweet, with a clean, refreshing crunch that holds beautifully for salads, stuffing, and vibrant roasting. Grow Jupiter for dependable, uniform fruit set and a bold color payoff that turns every harvest basket into a jewel-toned display.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 DaysHabit: Upright

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	Sep 8th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
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

Jupiter’s thick walls give you a sweet, juicy bite with a crunch that survives slicing and heat—so it won’t weep itself into the salad bowl. Roast or stuff it and it turns glossy and tender at the edges while staying firmly toothsome in the center.

Best Uses

slice raw for salads where the crunch won’t collapse
roast whole or in slabs for caramelized edges and juicy tenderness
stuff and bake—keeps structure without turning mushy
chop for quick stir-fries where it stays snappy

Flavor Profile

thick-walled sweetness crisp, watery crunch clean peppery finish

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil garlic lime black pepper feta cheese chicken sausage

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease for Capsicum annuum (pepper) and how do I treat it?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which cluster on new pepper growth and can cause curled, distorted leaves. Rinse plants with a strong water spray, then spray insecticidal soap (especially under leaves) and repeat every 5–7 days until new growth is clean. Also monitor for blossom-end rot and fungal leaf spots; remove affected leaves early and avoid wetting foliage to limit spread.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruit set, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—typically about 1–2 inches of water per week, adjusted for heat and container size. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, because peppers are sensitive to inconsistent moisture that can trigger flower drop and blossom-end rot. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, but don’t let mulch touch the plant stem.

How can I tell when my Capsicum annuum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and the skin color specific to your pepper type (many turn from green to their mature red/yellow/orange). For sweeter flavor, wait until the peppers have fully matured in color; for a sharper bite, harvest earlier at full size while still green. Use scissors or pruners to avoid tearing the plant, and pick regularly to keep plants producing.