Pepper – ‘Sweet – Big Red’

Growing Temp 70°F – 85°F
Days to Maturity 70-80 days

Ease of Cultivation and delicious sweetness: The Big Red pepper is a sweet pepper variety renowned for its large size and vibrant red color. It is relatively easy to grow, making it a favorite among gardeners of all skill levels. This variety thrives in warm conditions and can be enjoyed raw in salads, roasted, or stuffed, adding a sweet and crunchy element to many dishes.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant seeds outdoors after the last frost date when the soil temperature has reached at least 70°F. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart. Germination usually occurs within 14-21 days. Keep the soil consistently moist, using mulch to help retain moisture and control weeds. Staking may be necessary to support the heavy fruit as it develops.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To start early, sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seedling trays filled with quality potting mix, placing 2-3 seeds per cell. Maintain a temperature of 70-80°F for optimal germination. Once the seedlings have their first true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. Water well after transplanting and apply mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.

Harvesting: To determine when Big Red peppers are ready for harvest, look for large, firm peppers that are a deep red color. They can be harvested once they have reached full size, typically around 70-80 days after planting. Harvesting can be done using scissors or garden shears to cut the peppers from the plant, ensuring minimal damage to the branches.