Sweet Cherry Blend

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Sun-warmed and glossy as a fresh-picked jewel, Sweet Cherry Blend delivers a delightful mix of cherry peppers with a mild, sweet snap and bright, juicy flesh.

The fruits hang in compact clusters, turning from crisp green to a lively blend of warm reds and golden tones, with smooth skin and a pleasantly crisp bite. Ideal for colorful fresh use, vibrant roasting, and quick pickling, these peppers bring sweet heat-free charm to every garden harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Sweet Cherry Blend

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	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
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

These cherry peppers are built for eating like candy-cum-vegetable: crisp, juicy, and sweet enough that they don’t need much coaxing beyond salt and acid. Roast or pickle them and you’ll get caramelized edges or a glassy crunch—never that thin, stewy bell-pepper vibe.

Best Uses

fresh eating in salads or as crunchy crudités—keeps its snap under light dressing
hot-fast roasting or blistering for caramelized edges and tender-but-not-mushy flesh
quick refrigerator pickling for crisp tang and candy-colored brine
chopping into salsa/relish where sweetness balances vinegar

Flavor Profile

mild sweetness with a quick, sweet-pepper snap bright, juicy crunch smooth, glossy skin with a lightly vegetal finish no lingering heat; pleasantly fruity bite

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic cider vinegar feta olive oil chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Capsicum annuum (sweet cherry pepper) in home gardens, and how do I fix it?

Watch for aphids and whiteflies, which commonly cluster on pepper leaf undersides and can stunt growth or spread virus. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock pests off, then repeat every 3–4 days for 2 weeks; if needed, use insecticidal soap and coat both leaf sides. If you see wilting with dark, rotting stems near the soil line, remove affected plants and avoid re-watering from above to reduce fungal spread.

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

During fruiting (roughly weeks 4–8 onward), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1–2 inches of water per week total, split into 1–2 waterings. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, then water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone. In hot weather, peppers may need more frequent checks (often every 2–3 days in containers).

How can I tell when Capsicum annuum (sweet cherry) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and color for your blend: typically green-to-red/amber depending on the cultivar, with a glossy skin and firm feel. If you gently pull and the stem separates easily from the plant, it’s mature; fruits that are still matte or soft usually need more time. Start picking regularly once mature so the plant continues setting new fruit to reach about day ~60 from transplanting/initial growth.