Fish

Pepper

Zone 11b Save Garden

🌱 75d to harvest Bush

A glossy, lantern-bright pepper with a smooth, thick-walled feel and a lively, gently piquant flavor that blooms from the first b…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 13th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	May 12th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What common pest or disease affects Capsicum annuum (fish pepper), and how can I manage it at home?

Fish pepper (Capsicum annuum) is commonly hit by aphids and thrips, which can also spread pepper viruses. Check the undersides of leaves weekly and spray affected plants with a strong jet of water first, then use insecticidal soap if they persist (especially in the first 6–8 weeks after transplanting). If you see gray-brown leaf spots or damping-off in seedlings, discard infected starts, avoid overhead watering, and keep airflow tight by spacing plants properly.

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

During fruiting (roughly weeks 6–end, leading up to the ~75-day maturity), water deeply enough to moisten the root zone, then wait until the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry before watering again. Aim for consistent moisture—water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and container vs. ground—but avoid soggy soil, which promotes root issues in Solanaceae peppers. Mulch around the base to reduce moisture swings that can cause leaf drop and poor fruit set.

How do I know when my fish pepper is ready to harvest?

Harvest fish pepper at full size when the fruit is glossy and fully colored according to your variety’s target color; for most peppers, color change plus firmness is the cue. You can also harvest earlier for green peppers, but at ~75 days from transplant or near maturity you should expect the strongest flavor and best size. Use scissors or pruners to cut the fruit, leaving the stem attached to avoid tearing the plant.

A glossy, lantern-bright pepper with a smooth, thick-walled feel and a lively, gently piquant flavor that blooms from the first bite. “Fish” develops into a specialty standout—deeply colored at maturity and wonderfully crisp in texture—ideal for showcasing in bold, flavorful preparations and for turning garden-fresh harvest into vibrant, sauce-ready color. Grow it for its distinctive presence in the bed and its dependable, full-season performance to maturity in about 75 days.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start peppers early and transplant only when soil is consistently ~60°F+ to avoid cold-stunting, then keep evenly moist for best fruit set.