Oranos

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Sunlit and sweet, Oranos bell peppers ripen to a glossy, warm red that catches the eye before you even taste.

Their flesh is crisp and juicy with a pleasantly thick, sturdy wall—ideal for fresh crunch and for showcasing their mild sweetness in vibrant salads, salsas, and roasted-style preparations. Grow Oranos for a dependable, 75-day harvest window and a garden-to-plate bounty that stays tender and flavorful from first pick to peak color.

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

Oranos bell peppers are the kind that stay crisp even when you push them with heat—those thick walls give you a meaty bite rather than a watery smear. Their mild sweetness plays especially well against lime and garlic, so they shine in bright salsas and hot roasted prep alike.

Best Uses

raw ribboning into salads where they hold their bite under vinaigrette
roasting-style cooking (high heat) to intensify sweetness without collapsing
salsa or relish where the firm wall gives texture instead of turning watery
stuffing and baking—thick flesh keeps shape and stays cleanly slicable

Flavor Profile

mild sweetness crisp, juicy crunch slightly peppery vegetal snap thick, sturdy walls that stay meaty when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic black beans feta chicken smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage aphids on Capsicum annuum (Oranos) plants?

Check the undersides of leaves and new growth weekly for clusters of aphids and sticky honeydew. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock them off, then apply insecticidal soap (or neem) in the early morning and repeat every 5–7 days until you see no new colonies. Keep the garden weed-free, because weeds often harbor aphids and transfer them back to pepper plants.

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

During active growth and before harvest, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and soil drainage. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil dries out, since Capsicum annuum roots dry out quickly in hot sun and uneven moisture can trigger blossom drop. Mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and help prevent swings between wet and dry conditions.

How can I tell when Oranos (Capsicum annuum) peppers are ready to harvest?

Start checking around 70–75 days after transplanting (about 75 days to maturity) and harvest when fruits have reached their expected mature size and color for the variety. If you can gently twist or snip the pepper and it comes away with minimal force, it’s typically ready; leaving peppers too long can slow new fruit set. Taste-test one if you’re unsure—ripe peppers should have full flavor and a firm, glossy skin.