Red Hot Cherry

Family: Solanaceae Mildly Hot Pepper

A bright, lantern-red glow with a lively snap of heat—Red Hot Cherry peppers ripen to a glossy, cherry-sized intensity that feels almost electric in the garden.

Their thin, smooth skins and crisp, juicy flesh deliver a sharp, peppery burn that’s prized for fresh salsas, quick pickles, and bold sauces where you want flavor with a fiery wink. Compact plants mature in about 65 days, making them ideal for gardeners who want big personality from a small footprint.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 65 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Red Hot Cherry

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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
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

Red Hot Cherry brings a quick, electric heat with crisp, watery flesh—great when you want flavor that doesn’t collapse into mush. Use a short cook or quick pickle window so the thin skins stay snappy and the burn stays bright.

Best Uses

quick pickles (thin slices) for crisp heat
fresh salsa where they stay juicy instead of going soft
hot sauce with a fast simmer to keep the burn lively
stuffing or blistering for a crunchy heat hit

Flavor Profile

bright, cherry-sized snap crisp, juicy flesh with thin skin sharp peppery burn that builds quickly fresh vegetal heat with a clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime vinegar smoked paprika cilantro white vinegar pickling brine

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often hits Capsicum annuum (Red Hot Cherry) and what should I do?

Watch for aphids and whiteflies, which cluster on new growth and can spread virus-like leaf yellowing. Spray affected plants with insecticidal soap (especially underside of leaves) and remove heavily infested tips; repeat every 5–7 days until activity stops. Also keep leaves dry to reduce fungal issues—water at the soil line and avoid crowding plants so airflow stays good.

How often should I water Red Hot Cherry while it’s actively growing?

During the main growth phase, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1–2 inches to dry slightly between waterings. In warm full-sun conditions, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency if containers dry out quickly. Drip irrigation or slow watering is best to prevent blossom-end issues from inconsistent moisture.

How can I tell when Red Hot Cherry is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruits are fully colored for this variety’s mature stage—typically bright red and firm, with the skin glossy. For best flavor, pick fruits as soon as they reach full red color rather than waiting too long on the plant. Expect roughly 65 days from transplanting (your mature harvest window may run for several weeks as more pods ripen).