Sweet Sunrise

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Sunrise-bright color leads the way—Sweet Sunrise bells ripen into warm, golden-orange with a glossy, lantern-like sheen that catches the light from garden to basket.

The flesh is crisp and sweet, with a thick, tender wall that stays pleasantly snappy rather than hollowing out, making each pepper feel substantial in the hand. Grow Sweet Sunrise for standout fresh use in salads and platters, plus vibrant color in roasted displays and quick, colorful sauces.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 DaysHabit: Bush

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Leesburg (Zone 7a).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 23rd
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 15th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
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

Sweet Sunrise has that substantial, thick-walled bell texture that stays crisp—perfect when you want sweetness without it collapsing into juiciness. Roast it hot for glossy caramelized edges, or keep it raw so each bite stays clean, snappy, and sweet.

Best Uses

raw platter slices where they hold their snap (no limp edges)
quick high-heat roast or broil for caramelized edges while keeping interior sweet
thin strips in fresh salads or slaws that catch vinaigrette without turning watery
blitzed into a fast color-forward sauce for grilled chicken or fish

Flavor Profile

honey-sweet bell pepper flavor crisp, snappy flesh with a thick tender wall mild, clean finish with no harsh bite

Kitchen Pairings

lime black pepper olive oil feta grilled chicken white rice

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Capsicum annuum (bell/pepper types) and what should I do first?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which can show up as curled leaves or stippling and can also spread virus diseases. Spray affected plants with a strong stream of water, then apply insecticidal soap to the undersides of leaves and repeat every 5–7 days for two to three rounds. If you notice blossom-end rot (dark, sunken spot on the fruit) rather than leaf damage, focus on steady watering to prevent calcium uptake problems.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase (from transplant through fruit set)?

Water deeply about 1–2 times per week to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, aiming for even moisture as fruits begin to form. If the top 1 inch of soil dries out, water again; if it stays wet or plants wilt in wet soil, reduce frequency to prevent root stress. Mulch around the plants helps prevent the drying/wet swings that trigger blossom-end rot.

How can I tell when Capsicum annuum is ready to harvest around day ~80?

Harvest when the peppers are fully sized and have developed their mature color for your crop type, with firm, glossy skin. For sweeter flavor, pick when the fruit is at its full color stage rather than early green. Use snips or scissors to cut the stem just above the fruit to avoid tearing the plant.