SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Hot Banana

Pepper
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Hot Banana to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Hot Banana
75d to harvest

Warm, banana-sweet aroma meets a gentle, lingering heat in Hot Banana wax peppers—sunlit, glossy pods that feel crisp and substantial in the hand. At maturity they develop a bright yellow-to-amber glow with a smooth, waxy skin and a pleasantly snappy bite. Grow for standout fresh snacking, vibrant roasting on the tray, and bold flavor in salsas and quick pickles where their sunny color shines through.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 11a supports continuous outdoor production.
MilestoneDate
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Growing ApproachContinuous Production

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededStake
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)80
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Hot Banana in Zone 11a typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Hot Banana.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 11a supports continuous outdoor production.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Capsicum annuum (hot wax type), and what should I do first?
Watch for aphids and thrips, which can quickly distort new growth and spread viruses in Capsicum annuum. At the first signs of curled leaves or stippling, blast plants with a strong water spray, then apply insecticidal soap (especially on the undersides) and repeat every 5–7 days for 2–3 cycles. If you see gray moldy lesions or sudden wilting with damp stems, remove affected leaves/plants and avoid watering the foliage to keep the canopy dry.
How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase?
During flowering and fruit set, keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on heat, with more frequent light watering in hot windy weather. Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry, and stop short of soggy soil to reduce blossom-end issues and root stress. Mulch around plants to steady moisture through the hottest weeks.
Botanical illustration of Hot Banana

Warm, banana-sweet aroma meets a gentle, lingering heat in Hot Banana wax peppers—sunlit, glossy pods that feel crisp and substantial in the hand. At maturity they develop a bright yellow-to-amber glow with a smooth, waxy skin and a pleasantly snappy bite. Grow for standout fresh snacking, vibrant roasting on the tray, and bold flavor in salsas and quick pickles where their sunny color shines through.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Hot Banana in Zone 11a typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Hot Banana.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 11a supports continuous outdoor production.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start peppers earlier than you think, but don’t transplant until soil is reliably warm (60°F+) and seedlings are sturdy after 1–2 weeks of hardening.