Wisconsin Lakes

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Sun-warmed and richly aromatic, Wisconsin Lakes bell peppers ripen into glossy, thick-walled fruit with a vivid, deep green that turns to a buttery golden-yellow as they mature.

The flesh is crisp and juicy, with a balanced sweetness that shines in fresh salads and bright salsas, and it also roasts beautifully for caramelized flavor. Grow this dependable 75-day market-class bell for standout color and a satisfying, substantial bite from garden to table.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Wisconsin Lakes

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	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

This bell pepper earns its keep with a thick, crisp wall and a sweet-but-not-syrupy flavor that stays lively in raw applications and doesn’t turn to mush in salsa. Roast it hot for caramelized, glossy edges that pair especially well with citrus and salty cheese for that sweet-sour crunch.

Best Uses

thin-sliced raw salads where the juice won’t go dull
chopped bright salsas and relish (stays snappy)
hot-roast or blister at high heat for caramelized edges
stuffed bell halves—holds shape for a neat bite

Flavor Profile

crisp, juicy snap balanced sweetness with a gentle peppery edge sun-warmed, richly aromatic thick, substantial flesh that roasts cleanly

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic black beans cotija cheese chicken thighs olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease issue for Capsicum annuum (Wisconsin Lakes), and how do I manage it?

In peppers (Capsicum annuum), one frequent problem is blossom-end rot caused by irregular calcium uptake, often triggered by inconsistent watering rather than a lack of calcium in the soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, water deeply when the top 1 inch dries, and avoid letting plants swing between very dry and very wet. If you see black, sunken spots on the blossom end, remove affected fruits and focus on consistent moisture to prevent new ones.

How often should I water Wisconsin Lakes peppers during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruit set (roughly midseason to maturity), water so the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and container vs. bed conditions. Use a finger test: if the top 1 inch is dry, water thoroughly until excess drains away. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, reducing the water stress that leads to blossom-end rot.

How can I tell when Wisconsin Lakes peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach the mature size and color for Wisconsin Lakes, typically around 75 days after sowing/planting. Pick peppers when they are firm and fully colored; for best eating quality, harvest regularly because leaving ripe fruit on the plant can slow additional fruit set. If frost threatens before full maturity, harvest at turning color and finish indoors at warm room conditions.