Islander

Pepper

Zone 5a Save Garden

🌱 80d to harvest Bush

Sweet, thick-walled bell peppers with a glossy, sunlit sheen—‘Islander’ delivers a rich, crisp bite and a juicy, aromatic sweetne…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 13th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 21st
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

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

James' Scarlet Intermediate Carrot

Cardinal Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Capsicum annuum (bell-pepper type) and how do I treat it?

Watch for aphids and spider mites, which commonly show up on Capsicum annuum under warm, dry conditions and cause leaf speckling or curling. Spray affected plants with a strong jet of water, then use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, targeting the undersides of leaves. For disease, prevent early blight by keeping foliage dry (water at the soil line) and removing any spotted leaves promptly.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase?

During the 60–80 day fruiting period, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy: water when the top 1 inch of soil dries out. Aim for deep watering that wets the root zone, typically every 3–5 days depending on heat, with less frequent watering during cool or rainy spells. Uneven moisture can lead to blossom-end rot in peppers, so avoid letting the soil swing from very dry to very wet.

How can I tell when my Capsicum annuum is ready to harvest?

Harvest at full size when the fruit reaches the mature color for your type (often green to red, depending on what you’re growing) and feels firm with a glossy skin. A good rule is to start checking around 75–80 days after transplanting, since Capsicum annuum often takes about 80 days to mature. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the fruit with a short stem to avoid tearing the plant.

Sweet, thick-walled bell peppers with a glossy, sunlit sheen—‘Islander’ delivers a rich, crisp bite and a juicy, aromatic sweetness that feels almost honeyed straight from the garden. At maturity, fruits develop into bold, blocky bells with deep green beginnings and a vivid transition to warm red, holding their shape beautifully for standout color in every planting. Grow ‘Islander’ for fresh market-style appeal and for vibrant sauces and roasting-ready flavor that shines when you want pepper character front and center.

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

Transplant only once soil is consistently warm (60–70°F) and nights stay above ~50°F to prevent cold-stress and stalled growth.