Big Bomb

Pepper

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Bush

Sun-warmed and vividly alive, Big Bomb Cherry Peppers ripen to a glossy, lantern-bright glow with a crisp snap that feels as sati…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 22nd
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 6th
Harvest Begins	Jun 15th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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

Queenette Basil

Lettuce Leaf Large Italian Basil

Texas Early Grano Onion

White Castle Onion

Napoletano Basil Basil

Prospera DMR Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Capsicum annuum (big, red cherry-type peppers), and how can I manage it at home?

A frequent problem is aphids and thrips, which can leave curled leaves and transmit viruses; inspect the undersides of leaves weekly and blast small infestations off with water. If you see persistent buildup, spray with insecticidal soap (apply in the morning, covering leaf undersides) and remove heavily infested tips. Also watch for blossom-end rot and fungal leaf spots—keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line and remove spotted leaves to slow spread.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during peak growth to keep fruiting steady?

During active flowering and fruit set, keep the root zone evenly moist—typically about 1–2 inches of water per week total, adjusting for heat and container size. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, because Capsicum annuum will suffer from reduced flowering if it stays waterlogged. Consistent moisture helps prevent fruit drop and blossom-end rot as the pods begin to size up.

How do I tell when big red cherry pepper Capsicum annuum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods have reached their full size (about 70 days from transplant, depending on conditions) and turn a deep red with a firm, glossy skin. If you pick too early you’ll get a less sweet flavor and thinner walls; if you wait too long the peppers may soften and become more wrinkled. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stem above the calyx to avoid tearing the plant’s branches.

Sun-warmed and vividly alive, Big Bomb Cherry Peppers ripen to a glossy, lantern-bright glow with a crisp snap that feels as satisfying as it looks. Expect a lively, hot-leaning bite with a tangy, peppery backbone—ideal for turning bright harvests into bold flavor moments in salsas, quick pickles, and fiery sauces. Grow them for their abundant, upright-to-slightly-arching fruits that keep coming through the season, delivering a dependable harvest at about 70 days.

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

Warm soil matters—transplant only when nights are reliably warm and the soil is at least ~60°F to avoid cold-stunting sweet/hot peppers.