Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

Seed Spacing: 18–24 inches

Row Spacing: 24–36 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 14–28 days

Days to Maturity: 90–100 days

Growth Habit: Upright, bushy annual

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.

When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay above 60°F.

Direct Sowing: Not recommended; start indoors for optimal germination and seedling growth.

Indoor Sowing: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays and keep soil consistently warm (80–85°F) for germination.

Succession Planting: Not needed; plants produce over an extended season.

Watering: Water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and a potassium-rich fertilizer during fruiting.

Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves and any damaged branches to maintain airflow and plant health.

Pest and Disease Control: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies; use neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.

When to Harvest: Pick peppers when they turn from green to purple with red streaks, typically 90–100 days after planting.

How to Harvest: Use scissors or pruners to cut peppers from the plant to avoid stem damage.

Seed Collection: Allow peppers to fully ripen on the plant before collecting seeds.

Storing Seeds: Dry seeds completely and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.