Pepper

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 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	Aug 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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

A bell pepper wants heat and time just long enough to coax sugars out—overcook and the crisp walls go soft and watery. This variety’s sweet snap makes it a champion for blistering, where it chars at the edges while staying structurally good for bites.

Best Uses

high-heat blistering for charred sweetness without collapsing
raw strips in crunchy salads and slaws
stuffing and roasting until tender but still sliceable
quick sauté for glossy, still-crisp stir-fries

Flavor Profile

crisp, juicy snap sweet, peppery bite (mild to moderate) green-herb edge when under-ripened walls stay firm in heat

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil lime chicken cheddar

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pepper disease or pest in home gardens, and how can I prevent it?

A very common problem for Capsicum annuum is aphids or whiteflies, which cause leaf curling and can spread virus. Start by spraying the undersides of leaves with a strong water jet and using insecticidal soap when you first see colonies; keep plants off the ground and avoid overhead watering to reduce stress and secondary issues like fungal spots.

How often should I water peppers during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?

During active growth and flowering, water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil dries, usually every 2–4 days depending on heat and container size. Keep moisture steady—peppers dislike swings—so that blossoms don’t drop and fruit doesn’t develop poorly.

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

Harvest sweet peppers when they reach full size and the color you want (green for early harvest, or red/yellow for fully mature fruit). Hot peppers are typically ready when the pods are firm, glossy, and have fully changed to their final color; taste-test one if you’re unsure, since heat can deepen as they mature.

What soil preparation and feeding schedule works best for Capsicum annuum?

Before planting, mix compost into the bed and ensure the soil drains well to prevent root stress in Solanaceae. Feed with a balanced vegetable fertilizer after plants establish (about 2–3 weeks after transplant), then switch to a low-nitrogen formula or bloom-focused feed once flowers appear to support fruit set without excessive leafy growth.

Should I start pepper plants from seed indoors or direct-sow, and what spacing is best?

Because Capsicum annuum benefits from warm germination (around 80°F), start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or direct-sow only when soil is consistently warm. Space transplants 18–24 inches apart in-row (and about 24–36 inches between rows); thin seedlings to the same distance if you direct-sow.

What’s a common beginner mistake with peppers, and when does it usually happen?

A frequent timing mistake is planting too early: peppers won’t thrive if nights are cool, leading to slow growth and blossom drop. Wait until outdoor conditions are warm (especially nights) and your plants are sturdy before transplanting, and don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen right when you want fruit set.