King Arthur

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Sun-warmed and richly aromatic, King Arthur bell peppers ripen to a deep, glossy crimson that catches the light like lacquer.

The flesh is thick and crisp with a satisfying snap, offering a sweet, balanced flavor that shines whether you enjoy them fresh or let their color and character carry through sauces and roasting. Gardeners will love the steady, uniform shape and the way these peppers hold their beauty from first blush to full maturity at about 85 days.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 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 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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

King Arthur’s thick, crisp bite makes it worth buying specifically for applications where other bell peppers would go floppy—think charred slices that still snap when you take a bite. When roasted, its sweetness and lacquer-like aroma caramelize fast, so it plays especially well with garlic, olive oil, and sharp acids like balsamic.

Best Uses

charred-and-skinned slices for burgers and sandwiches (stays snappy, doesn’t collapse)
roasting sheet-pan halves for glossy, caramel-edge sweetness
quick sauté strips to keep structure before they turn tender
puree into a thick, spoonable sauce after roasting

Flavor Profile

sweet, balanced pepperiness thick, crisp flesh with a clean snap sun-warmed, richly aromatic roasted notes

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil balsamic vinegar smoked paprika parmesan chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Capsicum annuum (King Arthur), and how do I treat it?

For peppers in the Solanaceae family, early blight and bacterial leaf spot are common and often start as small dark spots that spread under warm, humid conditions. Remove infected leaves, keep foliage dry by watering at the base, and improve airflow with proper spacing; if problems persist, switch to a labeled copper-based spray per the product directions. Watch closely for aphids and thrips early—rinse with water and use insecticidal soap if populations build before blooms set.

How often should I water King Arthur pepper while it’s actively growing (after transplant through fruit set)?

During active growth and fruit set, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat, and increase in hot weather. Water deeply at the base so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again. Consistent moisture helps prevent flower drop and misshapen fruit.

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

Harvest when the fruit reaches full size and develops its mature color (commonly green to the specified mature color for your seed packet) and the skin looks glossy and firm. Fruits are typically ready around 85 days from sowing/transplanting depending on your start, but use size and firmness rather than the exact date. Use scissors or pruners to cut the stem to avoid tearing the plant.