Fresno

Pepper

Zone 1a Save Garden

🌱 80d to harvest Bush

Sink your senses into Fresno’s glossy, lantern-bright peppers—vivid green at first, then ripening to a warm, fiery red with a smo…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 27th
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Aug 10th
Harvest Begins	Oct 29th
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

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

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Capsicum annuum (Fresno peppers), and how can I control it?

Watch closely for aphids and thrips, which commonly infest pepper plants and can stunt growth or spread virus-like symptoms. Spray affected plants with insecticidal soap (especially on leaf undersides) and remove heavily infested leaves; repeat every 5–7 days until new growth is free of insects. If you notice wilting with blackened stems or persistent leaf spotting, improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage, then remove infected leaves promptly to slow spread.

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

During active flowering and fruiting, keep the root zone evenly moist—water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, which is often about 1–2 times per week depending on heat. Aim to wet the soil thoroughly rather than frequent light watering, since peppers (Capsicum annuum) develop most of their productive roots in a consistently moist layer. Mulch around plants to reduce swings in soil moisture that can trigger blossom drop or misshapen fruit.

How do I know when Fresno peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach their full size and the skin turns from green to a bright red for classic Fresno flavor; this typically aligns with about 80 days to maturity from transplanting. Peppers should feel firm and glossy, and the stem should be easy to snip without tearing the plant. If you prefer less heat, you can harvest earlier at green or just-beginning color change, but for full ripeness wait for consistent red color.

Sink your senses into Fresno’s glossy, lantern-bright peppers—vivid green at first, then ripening to a warm, fiery red with a smooth, taut skin that feels almost lacquered in the hand. The flavor is bold and gently sweet, building to a pleasant, medium heat that shines in fresh salads and salsas, and also holds its character beautifully when roasted or grilled. Grow Fresno for a steady harvest of uniform, tapered fruits that bring both color and confidence to the garden through the full 80-day season.

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 once soil is reliably warm (around 60°F+), then keep moisture consistent to prevent blossom-end rot and stress-caused stunting.