Peppadew

Family: Solanaceae Mildly Hot Pepper

A slow-sunshine heat with a bright, tangy pop—Peppadew peppers ripen to a glossy, warm scarlet that catches the light like lacquer.

Their specialty shape is delightfully rounded and gently tapered, with a pleasantly crisp skin and a juicy, peppery bite that builds from first flare to a lingering warmth. Grow Peppadew for bold, colorful peppers that shine in roasted preparations, vibrant sauces, and pickled favorites—ideal for gardeners who want their harvest to look as striking as it tastes.

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

Peppadew’s Capsicum baccatum flavor is all bright tang and peppery snap, with heat that blooms rather than punches instantly. They hold their personality in roasting and pickling—crisp skin, juicy bite, and a lingering warmth that stays friendly instead of burning out.

Best Uses

roast or blister for lacquered skins and a jammy, juicy interior
quick-pickling in vinegar-and-salt brine for crisp heat that pops on the palate
blend into vibrant sauces or salsas for tangy heat and peppery character
stuff with herby cheese or cream fillings, then bake just until skins blister

Flavor Profile

bright, tangy bite with slow-building heat crisp, glossy skin that stays pleasantly firm under heat juicy peppery flavor with a sweet-leaning warmth lingering warm heat with a clean, snappy finish

Kitchen Pairings

cream cheese feta garlic honey vinegar chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease pest/problem for Capsicum baccatum (Peppadew) in home gardens, and how do I fix it?

Look out for blossom-end rot (a calcium-related disorder) and gray/leaf mold when foliage stays wet—both are common on capsicums in humid conditions. Water consistently to prevent swings, keep mulch off the plant stems, and avoid wetting leaves; if fruits develop dark, sunken bottoms, ensure steady moisture and consider a soil-applied calcium source rather than foliar “quick fixes.”

How often should I water Peppadew (Capsicum baccatum) during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruiting (roughly after seedlings establish), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy: water when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out. In full sun, this often means deep watering every 2–3 days, but containers may need daily checks to prevent drying—especially during heat spikes.

How can I tell when Peppadew (Capsicum baccatum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits fully color up (Peppadew typically deep red) and reach their final size, usually around 75 days from transplanting. If you can easily twist or snip a fruit off the plant without pulling, and the skin is glossy and firm, it’s ready; green or underripe fruits will be smaller and less developed.