Fresno

Pepper

80d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 27th
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 10th
Harvest Begins	Sep 28th
Harvest Ends	Sep 24th

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

Genovese Red Freddy Basil

Red Gem Marigold

California Early Onion

Flat Leaf Parsley Parsley

Gevas Basil

Red Wethersfield Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

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.