Days to Maturity: Approximately 70-80 days from transplant to green harvest (longer for full red ripening).
Sun Needs: Full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily—critical for fruit set, flavor development, and heat in Utah's intense summer light.
Season Type: Warm-season crop; extremely frost-sensitive—transplant only after the last frost and when soil temperatures reach 65°F+ (typically late May to early June in the Salt Lake City area).
Plant Habit & Support: Bushy, erect plants grow 18-36 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide; most varieties benefit from staking or caging as fruits can weigh branches down, especially with heavy yields.
Other Notes: Mild heat makes it approachable for customers; resistant to some issues like tobacco mosaic virus in many strains; watch for aphids, spider mites, or blossom-end rot in dry Utah conditions—good air circulation helps prevent fungal problems.
Best Planting Method: Space plants 12-24 inches apart in rows or beds; use raised beds or amended soil to improve drainage in Utah's often heavy or alkaline native soils—add compost for fertility. Black plastic mulch can warm soil earlier and reduce weeds/moisture loss.
Watering Needs: Provide consistent, even moisture (about 1 inch per week), especially during flowering and fruit development—drip irrigation is ideal to keep foliage dry and prevent diseases in low-humidity conditions. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot, but never let plants wilt severely as it can cause blossom drop or stunted fruit. Reduce watering slightly as fruits mature to concentrate flavors.
Fertilization Needs: Incorporate balanced compost or slow-release fertilizer at planting. Side-dress with a low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus/potassium formula (e.g., 5-10-10) at transplant and again when flowering begins to support fruit production without excessive leafy growth. Peppers are moderate feeders—avoid high nitrogen late in the season. Harvest green for milder flavor and higher yields, or let ripen red for sweeter taste; fruits snap off easily when ready, encouraging more production over the season.