Red Knight

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Sweet heat with a regal glow—Red Knight bell peppers ripen to a rich, glossy scarlet that feels almost lacquered in the garden.

The flesh is crisp and thick-walled, offering a satisfying snap with a gentle, warming edge that lingers pleasantly rather than overwhelms. Grow Red Knight for standout fresh use and vibrant color in salsas and roasted preparations, where its bold red presence shines from first harvest to last.

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

Red Knight bell peppers bring a rare combo of bell sweetness plus a polite, warming heat that doesn’t hijack the plate. Use them raw for a loud, thick snap, or roast to coax lacquered caramel edges while the flesh stays pleasantly firm.

Best Uses

char-and-peel roasting for jammy edges while keeping a clean crunch
raw slices in salads where the pepper holds vinaigrette without collapsing
fresh salsa that stays bright and chunky
quick blistering in a hot pan for glossy strips and caramelized spots

Flavor Profile

crisp, thick-walled snap sweet, red-fruit flavor gentle warming sweet heat that lingers light peppery bitterness on the finish

Kitchen Pairings

lime smoked paprika garlic black beans queso fresco chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease for Capsicum annuum (red bell pepper type) and how do I control it at home?

A frequent issue is blossom-end rot and it’s usually triggered by inconsistent watering (calcium uptake problem), especially during fruit set. Water deeply and evenly so the soil stays steadily moist, then mulch to reduce swings in moisture; avoid letting beds dry out completely between waterings. If you notice soft, dark patches on the fruit bottoms, remove affected peppers and focus on stabilizing moisture right away—new growth is less likely to re-rot once watering is consistent.

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

During flowering and fruit development (roughly weeks 4–10 for a ~75-day crop), keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Aim for watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, applying enough water to wet the root zone; in hot weather you may need more frequent watering to prevent dry-out. Check by feel 1–2 inches down—if it’s dry at that depth, water; if water pools or the soil stays wet, cut back to avoid root stress.

How can I tell when my Capsicum annuum “Red Knight” peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when peppers have reached full size and turned to a uniform deep red color, typically around 75 days from transplanting/early growth depending on your start date. The fruit should feel firm with glossy skin, not wrinkled or soft. If you gently lift the pepper and it comes off with a slight twist, it’s ready; otherwise leave it on the plant for another few days to improve color and firmness.