SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Lemon Drop

Pepper
Zone 1b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Lemon Drop to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Lemon Drop
75d to harvest

Sunlit and electric, Lemon Drop peppers ripen to a buttery yellow that glows against deep green foliage, with a bright, citrusy heat that builds quickly and lingers pleasantly. The fruits are slender and tapered, smooth-skinned and pleasantly firm, offering a crisp snap and a lively, aromatic bite that shines in fresh salsas, roasted pepper blends, and tangy sauces. Grow Lemon Drop for a garden that feels like a bouquet of warm lanterns—then harvest for bold, flavorful heat that’s as versatile as it is beautiful.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 75-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 1st
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededStake
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)80
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Lemon Drop.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 75-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) and what should I do if I see it?
A common issue is corn earworm (often first noticed as holes or frass near the silk and kernels). Check ears every 1–2 days starting when silks appear, then control early by removing/treating affected ears and applying an approved earworm-targeted product according to the label. Keep plants vigorous and avoid over-watering, which can encourage secondary fungal problems around ears and leaves.
How often should I water sweet corn during its main growth phase?
During the period from tasseling through ear fill, keep soil evenly moist—about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, split into 1–2 waterings if it doesn’t rain. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the root zone to dry out, because drought at silking can cause missing or poorly filled kernels.
How do I know when Lemon Drop sweet corn is ready to harvest?
Harvest when ears are 18–22 days after silking, or when kernels feel plump and exude milky juice when pressed (usually around 75 days to maturity). In general for sweet corn, the best sweetness is close to peak maturity—if you wait too long, kernels become starchy and lose flavor quickly. Plan to harvest in the morning and refrigerate promptly for best eating quality.
Botanical illustration of Lemon Drop

Sunlit and electric, Lemon Drop peppers ripen to a buttery yellow that glows against deep green foliage, with a bright, citrusy heat that builds quickly and lingers pleasantly. The fruits are slender and tapered, smooth-skinned and pleasantly firm, offering a crisp snap and a lively, aromatic bite that shines in fresh salsas, roasted pepper blends, and tangy sauces. Grow Lemon Drop for a garden that feels like a bouquet of warm lanterns—then harvest for bold, flavorful heat that’s as versatile as it is beautiful.

Today's Conditions

Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Lemon Drop.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 75-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start seedlings early, keep soil consistently warm, and transplant only once nights are reliably above 50°F to prevent cold-stress stunting common with Capsicum in cool springs.

Recommended Companions

Prospera Italian Large Leaf Basil
View Details →
African Marigold Marigold
View Details →
Texas Early Grano 502 PRR Onion
View Details →
Walla Walla Onion
View Details →
Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold
View Details →
Thai Basil
View Details →