Hot Banana

Pepper

Zone 8b Save Garden

🌱 75d to harvest Bush

Warm, banana-sweet aroma meets a gentle, lingering heat in Hot Banana wax peppers—sunlit, glossy pods that feel crisp and substan…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 26th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 4th
Harvest Begins	Jul 18th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
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 is most likely on Capsicum annuum (hot wax type), and what should I do first?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which can quickly distort new growth and spread viruses in Capsicum annuum. At the first signs of curled leaves or stippling, blast plants with a strong water spray, then apply insecticidal soap (especially on the undersides) and repeat every 5–7 days for 2–3 cycles. If you see gray moldy lesions or sudden wilting with damp stems, remove affected leaves/plants and avoid watering the foliage to keep the canopy dry.

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

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on heat, with more frequent light watering in hot windy weather. Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry, and stop short of soggy soil to reduce blossom-end issues and root stress. Mulch around plants to steady moisture through the hottest weeks.

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

Harvest when the fruits reach full size and have turned their mature color—typically yellow to orange depending on your conditions—while still firm and glossy. You can also taste one: mature Capsicum annuum should taste fully developed (less green/vegetative), and the pepper should snap off easily rather than bending. Start picking around day ~75, checking every 1–3 days once they begin coloring.

Warm, banana-sweet aroma meets a gentle, lingering heat in Hot Banana wax peppers—sunlit, glossy pods that feel crisp and substantial in the hand. At maturity they develop a bright yellow-to-amber glow with a smooth, waxy skin and a pleasantly snappy bite. Grow for standout fresh snacking, vibrant roasting on the tray, and bold flavor in salsas and quick pickles where their sunny color shines through.

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

Start peppers earlier than you think, but don’t transplant until soil is reliably warm (60°F+) and seedlings are sturdy after 1–2 weeks of hardening.