Olympus

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Crisp, lantern-bright sweetness leads the way with Olympus bell pepper—its thick walls and glossy, deep-satin skin catch the light as the fruit ripens.

Expect a satisfying crunch and a clean, mellow flavor that shines in fresh salads and vibrant roasted displays, and holds its shape beautifully for sauces and quick pickles. With about 75 days to maturity, this dependable home-garden performer delivers bold color and substantial bite from plant to harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 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 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

Olympus bell peppers bring a sweet, mellow wallop with real structural crunch—thick-fleshed enough that it won’t turn limp in heat or weep in a dressed salad. Roast until blistered for caramel-sweet edges, or pickle them fast for a clean snap that tastes bright even out of season.

Best Uses

raw slices in a salad where the pepper needs to hold bite under vinaigrette
roasting on high heat for blistered edges without collapsing—great for sheet-pan stacks
quick pickles where the firm flesh keeps a satisfying, snappy bite
chunky sauté or stir-fry where the walls provide structure and sweetness

Flavor Profile

lantern-bright sweetness crisp, snap-forward crunch mellow pepper flavor with clean finish thick, sturdy walls that stay cohesive

Kitchen Pairings

smoked paprika garlic lime feta olive oil chicken or shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common pest or disease issues for Capsicum annuum (bell/pepper types) and how can I manage them?

For Capsicum annuum, watch for aphids and pepper hornworms, which can strip leaves and chew fruit; inspect plants weekly and remove hornworms by hand early, then spray aphids off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap. Fruit and leaf issues often come from fungal problems like blossom-end rot and leaf spots—avoid wetting foliage, ensure even moisture, and remove affected leaves to reduce spread. If you see persistent leaf-spot spreading, switch to a labeled fungicide suitable for edible peppers and follow the label interval.

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

During active growth and fruit set, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and container size. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again. Uneven watering and long dry spells followed by heavy watering commonly trigger blossom-end rot in peppers.

How do I tell when Capsicum annuum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and the skin is firm; many Capsicum annuum types can be picked green or allowed to ripen to their mature color. For best flavor, pick with scissors or pruners—leaving the calyx intact helps prevent damage. As a guide, start checking around 75 days from transplant (or roughly within your days-to-maturity window) and harvest regularly to encourage continued production.