Lemon Drop

Family: Solanaceae Hot Pepper

Sunlit and electric, Lemon Drop peppers ripen to a buttery yellow that glows against deep green foliage, with a bright, citrusy heat that builds quickly and lingers pleasantly.

The fruits are slender and tapered, smooth-skinned and pleasantly firm, offering a crisp snap and a lively, aromatic bite that shines in fresh salsas, roasted pepper blends, and tangy sauces. Grow Lemon Drop for a garden that feels like a bouquet of warm lanterns—then harvest for bold, flavorful heat that’s as versatile as it is beautiful.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 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	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

Lemon Drop’s citrusy heat ramps up quickly and stays crisp rather than turning hollow or soapy, which makes it ideal for fresh chopping where you still get a clean snap. Roast it briefly and it turns aromatic and silky—perfect for sauces that need a bright, pepper-driven edge without losing structure.

Best Uses

seed-and-slice fresh into chunky salsa for a quick, electric burn
roast and purée into a tangy chili-citron sauce or glaze
chop for quick stir-fry or roasted pepper blends where you want both aroma and a crisp bite

Flavor Profile

bright citrusy heat that hits fast crisp, smooth-skinned snap peppery, aromatic bite with a clean, lingering finish

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic cilantro smoked meats (pork or chicken) sweet corn tahini

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) and what should I do if I see it?

A common issue is corn earworm (often first noticed as holes or frass near the silk and kernels). Check ears every 1–2 days starting when silks appear, then control early by removing/treating affected ears and applying an approved earworm-targeted product according to the label. Keep plants vigorous and avoid over-watering, which can encourage secondary fungal problems around ears and leaves.

How often should I water sweet corn during its main growth phase?

During the period from tasseling through ear fill, keep soil evenly moist—about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, split into 1–2 waterings if it doesn’t rain. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the root zone to dry out, because drought at silking can cause missing or poorly filled kernels.

How do I know when Lemon Drop sweet corn is ready to harvest?

Harvest when ears are 18–22 days after silking, or when kernels feel plump and exude milky juice when pressed (usually around 75 days to maturity). In general for sweet corn, the best sweetness is close to peak maturity—if you wait too long, kernels become starchy and lose flavor quickly. Plan to harvest in the morning and refrigerate promptly for best eating quality.