Seed Depth: ½–1 inch

Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches

Row Spacing: 36–48 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil Temperature: 65°F+

Days to Sprout: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 55–65 days

Lifecycle: Annual

Sunlight: Requires full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Adding compost improves growth.

When to Plant: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/2–1 inch deep, spacing them 12–18 inches apart in rows 36–48 inches apart.

Indoor Sowing/Transplant: Start seeds in pots and transplant when seedlings are 4–6 inches tall.

Succession Planting: Sow every 3–4 weeks for a continuous harvest during the growing season.

Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and mid-season to encourage strong growth and fruit production.

Pruning: Remove any yellowing leaves and harvest pods regularly to promote further flowering.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for aphids, flea beetles, and powdery mildew. Use organic pest control methods and ensure proper spacing for airflow.

When to Harvest: Harvest pods when they are 3–5 inches long, tender, and still bright red (Red Burgundy stays vibrant even at harvest size), typically 55–65 days after planting. Pick every 2–3 days to keep production high.

How to Harvest: Use scissors or pruners to cut pods from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Wear gloves if pods are prickly. Regular harvesting encourages more flowering and pod set.

Seed Collection: Allow some pods to fully mature and dry on the plant until they turn brown and brittle. Collect seeds by breaking open dry pods.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for viability up to 3–5 years.