Melrose

Pepper

75d to harvest

Sun-warmed and glossy, Melrose sweet peppers bring a crisp, juicy snap with a gently sweet, garden-fresh flavor—never the bite of heat. Fruits mature in a handsome progression from deep green to a rich, burnished red, with thick walls that hold their shape beautifully for sweet frying favorites. Grow Melrose for abundant, uniform peppers that shine in the garden and deliver satisfying crunch in every pan-ready moment.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 11a supports continuous outdoor production.

Milestone	Date
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Growing Approach	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem most often affects Capsicum annuum (Melrose) and how can I manage it?

In home gardens, hot-pepper types like Capsicum annuum are commonly hit by aphids and then secondary black sooty mold, and they can also develop blossom-end rot from inconsistent calcium uptake during rapid growth. Check leaves and new growth twice weekly for clusters of aphids and blast them off with water, then release or encourage beneficial insects; if infestations persist, use insecticidal soap on the undersides of leaves. Prevent blossom-end rot by keeping soil moisture steady (especially once fruits set) and avoid letting containers or beds dry out between waterings.

How often should I water Melrose (Capsicum annuum) during the main growing and fruiting phase?

During flowering and fruiting, keep the root zone evenly moist—typically about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week total, adjusted for heat and wind. Water deeply so moisture reaches well into the bed, then wait until the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil is slightly dry before watering again. Mulch around plants to reduce swings; moisture fluctuations are a frequent trigger for blossom-end rot.

How do I tell when Melrose peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest Melrose peppers at the size and color you want, but for best flavor on this ~75-day crop, pick when fruits reach full length and turn from green to red (or your target mature color). Use pruners or scissors to cut the stem, leaving a short piece of stem attached, which reduces damage to the plant and helps the next fruits mature. If peppers feel firm and glossy with consistent color for the whole fruit, they’re ready—don’t let them over-soften on the plant.