Orange Peter Pepper

Family: Solanaceae Hot Pepper

Sunlit and bold, Orange Peter Pepper ripens to a vivid orange that glows against its foliage, offering a bright, peppery heat with a crisp, snappy bite.

The fruits are specialty-shaped and satisfyingly firm, ideal for adding vivid color and lively flavor to salsas, roasted pepper blends, and fiery sauces—plus they shine when pickled for tangy, heat-forward relish.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Orange Peter Pepper

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

Orange Peter Pepper brings a firm, snappy crunch plus a vivid orange-fruit sweetness that keeps the heat lively instead of smoldering. Use it chopped raw where you want it to bite back, or pickle/roast to deepen the chili while holding its structure.

Best Uses

slice into fresh salsa for color that stays crisp
roast and char for a firmer pepper blend that doesn’t go watery
pickle for a tangy, heat-forward relish
chop into hot sauces for a clean, chili-forward bite

Flavor Profile

bright peppery heat crisp, snappy flesh slightly sweet orange-fruit edge clean snap with a lingering chili warmth

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic smoked salt cumin vinegar dark chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Capsicum annuum (Orange Peter Pepper), and how do I manage it?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which can distort young leaves and spread virus in hot, dry weather. Spray early infestations with insecticidal soap and remove heavily infested tips, then keep plants evenly watered and avoid letting soil dry out hard. If you see water-soaked spots or leaf blight, improve airflow, water at the base, and remove affected leaves promptly to slow spread.

How often should I water Orange Peter Pepper during the main growing phase?

During active growth and flowering (after seedlings are established), keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—about 1 to 2 inches of water per week depending on heat, with deeper watering rather than frequent light sprinkles. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root issues, especially in containers. In full sun, expect to check daily during heat spikes.

How can I tell when Orange Peter Pepper is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 75 days when fruits reach full size and turn fully orange, with glossy skin and firm flesh. Green fruits can be picked earlier for a sharper flavor, but for the Orange Peter Pepper profile, wait for full color. Use scissors or pruners to cut the fruit from the plant to avoid snapping stems.