Orange Manzano

Pepper

Zone 1a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Orange Manzano

🌱 85d to harvest Bush

Sunlit orange peppers with a gently wrinkled, lantern-like charm—Orange Manzano delivers a bright, fruity heat that builds with a…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 27th
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Aug 10th
Harvest Begins	Nov 3rd
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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 pest or disease most commonly affects Capsicum pubescens (Manzano orange peppers), and what should I do?

Watch for bacterial leaf spot and foliar fungal problems, which show up as dark, water-soaked spots and worsening leaf spotting in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard affected leaves early, avoid wetting foliage when you water, and improve airflow with wider spacing. If spots spread, treat preventively with a copper-based bactericide according to label directions and repeat as needed during wet spells.

How often should I water Capsicum pubescens during the main growing phase (after it sets fruit)?

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for steady moisture when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out. In warm weather, this often means watering every 2–3 days, but less in cooler periods; use a finger test rather than a calendar. During fruit set and development, inconsistent moisture can reduce fruit quality, so mulch lightly to stabilize moisture while ensuring the roots still drain well.

How can I tell when Manzano orange pepper (Capsicum pubescens) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits have fully colored to a uniform orange and feel firm but not hard. Typical maturity is around 85 days, but the best indicator is color plus size—pick peppers as soon as they reach full orange even if they’re still glossy. If you want peak sweetness, wait until the color is fully developed all around the fruit before cutting with scissors.

Sunlit orange peppers with a gently wrinkled, lantern-like charm—Orange Manzano delivers a bright, fruity heat that builds with a clean, peppery finish. The flesh is crisp and substantial, with a smooth, medium-thick wall that holds its character whether you savor them fresh or let their color deepen in roasting and pan-ready preparations. Grow for bold, warm-season color and a Manzano-style bite that shines in salsas, sauces, and pickling brine.

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

For this cooler-climate Manzano type, keep seedlings warm but transplant only when nights are reliably mild and the soil has warmed to reduce cold-stunting.