Lipstick

Pepper

Zone 1a Save Garden

🌱 75d to harvest Bush

Glossy as a satin rouge, Lipstick sweet frying peppers hang in tidy ranks, their slender, tapered fruits ripening from green to a…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 27th
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Aug 10th
Harvest Begins	Oct 24th
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease/pest issue on Capsicum annuum (lipstick pepper) and how do I treat it?

A frequent problem is pepper fruit rot caused by fungal pathogens (often worsened by wet foliage and inconsistent watering). Remove any infected fruit, water at the soil line (not the leaves), and improve airflow with careful spacing; if rot keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for vegetables per the product directions. For pests, watch for aphids and thrips early—rinse plants with a strong water spray and, if needed, apply an insecticidal soap when infestations are light.

How often should I water lipstick peppers (Capsicum annuum) during the main growing phase?

During the main growth and flowering stage, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy, aiming for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and container/bed drainage. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil dries out, because dry spells followed by heavy watering can trigger blossom-end issues. Mulch helps stabilize moisture so plants form fruit reliably.

How can I tell when lipstick peppers (Capsicum annuum) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits have reached their full size and color stage specified for your crop (typically starting green and progressing to red). They should feel firm and have a glossy skin; if fruits are still thin or dull and resist easy picking, wait a bit longer. For best flavor, harvest at peak color around the ~75-day maturity window from transplant/growth start and use scissors or a sharp pruner to avoid tearing the plant.

Glossy as a satin rouge, Lipstick sweet frying peppers hang in tidy ranks, their slender, tapered fruits ripening from green to a vivid, lipstick-red that catches the light. The flesh is crisp-crunchy with a bright, peppery sweetness and a gentle, warming heat—ideal for high-heat frying where their shape stays elegant and their flavor turns richly caramelized. Grow Lipstick for a bold garden accent and a dependable harvest at about 75 days, perfect for skillet-style favorites and vibrant sauces.

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

Keep soil consistently warm (not just frost-free) and avoid letting seedlings dry out during hardening for the best sweet, juicy development.