Days to Maturity: Approximately 60-70 days from transplant to first green harvest (often 65 days typical; 75-85 days for full orange-red ripening and peak heat).
Sun Needs: Full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily—essential for strong growth, heat development, fruit size, and color ripening in Utah's intense summer conditions.
Season Type: Warm-season crop; frost-sensitive—transplant only after soil warms to 65°F+ and all frost danger has passed (late May to early June in the Salt Lake City area).
Plant Habit & Support: Upright, bushy plants grow 18-30 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide; light staking or caging is recommended for heavy fruit loads to prevent branches from bending—space 18-24 inches apart for good airflow.
Other Notes: Good heat tolerance and productivity suit Utah's dry climate; watch for aphids, spider mites, blossom-end rot (from inconsistent watering), or sunscald—organic mulch (like straw or compost) helps retain moisture and reduce soil splash; prolific if harvested regularly to encourage more pods.
Best Planting Method: Transplant when nights stay above 55°F and soil is warm. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows or beds; bury stems slightly deeper if leggy to promote strong roots. Amend soil with compost for fertility and excellent drainage—raised beds are ideal in heavier or alkaline Utah soils to prevent rot and improve performance. Organic mulch (such as straw, compost, or grass clippings) around plants conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
Watering Needs: Provide consistent, even moisture (about 1-1.5 inches per week), especially during flowering and fruit development—drip irrigation is ideal in dry Utah air to keep foliage dry and minimize disease. Avoid drought stress or irregular watering, which can cause blossom drop, smaller pods, or blossom-end rot; mulch helps maintain steady moisture, and containers may need more frequent checks during hot spells.
Fertilization Needs: Incorporate compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting. Side-dress with a higher-phosphorus/potassium formula (like 5-10-10) at transplant and again when flowering/fruit set begins to support fruit production over excess foliage. Peppers are moderate feeders—avoid high nitrogen late in the season to prevent lots of leaves but fewer or smaller peppers; organic options like compost tea provide steady nutrients. Harvest green for sharper flavor and higher yields, or let ripen orange-red for sweeter heat—snip with pruners to avoid damaging plants and encourage continued production over the season. It's great for containers.