Stocky Red Rooster

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Aromatic and sweet with a lively, rooster-bright snap—Stocky Red Rooster Bull’s Horn Sweet Pepper turns from glossy green to a rich, warm scarlet that practically glows in the garden.

Fruits are thick-walled and pleasantly firm, with a gently curved horn shape that feels substantial in the hand and holds its shape beautifully. Grow it for fresh snacking, vibrant roasting, and bold color in salsas and sauces—its sweet flavor shines whether you serve it whole, sliced, or blended.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Stocky Red Rooster

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

Thick-walled and sweet with a snappy, substantial bite, this pepper loves high heat—roast it until the skin blisters and the flesh stays structured. Its warm, lightly tangy finish plays especially well with citrus and smoke, so your sauce or salsa keeps that rooster-bright clarity instead of going flat.

Best Uses

roast whole or in thick slices until skins blister and flesh stays meaty
chop for fresh snacking—sliceable crunch that doesn’t turn watery fast
blend into a smooth salsa or sauce that holds body without thinning out
pile into hot sautés where it can caramelize edges instead of collapsing

Flavor Profile

sweet peppery aroma rooster-bright snap thick-walled, firm bite warm, mildly tangy finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime smoked paprika olive oil white fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Capsicum annuum (pepper) like ‘Stocky Red Rooster’, and how can I treat it at home?

Look for aphids and spider mites on the undersides of pepper leaves—both can stunt growth and cause stippling or leaf curl. Blast plants with a strong spray of water first, then apply insecticidal soap (especially underside leaves) and repeat every 5–7 days until new growth is clean. For disease, watch for blossom-end rot (black, leathery spots on fruit) and prevent it by keeping soil moisture even and supplying consistent calcium via balanced fertilizer rather than letting beds dry out and then flood.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase (after transplanting/while flowering)?

During flowering and fruit set, keep the root zone evenly moist—typically watering deeply 1–2 times per week depending on heat, aiming for soil that’s damp 2–3 inches down, not soggy. If the top inch dries out, water thoroughly; if water pools or the soil stays wet, cut back to prevent root stress and increase the chance of blossom-end rot. Mulch helps stabilize moisture so peppers don’t swing between dry and wet.

How do I know when ‘Stocky Red Rooster’ Capsicum annuum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit has fully changed color to its mature red stage and the peppers feel firm and reach a consistent mature size for the variety. For peppers, sweetness and flavor continue improving as they ripen on the plant, so avoid harvesting too early while they’re still green. A gentle twist or snip at the stem will remove them without tearing the plant.