(Capsicum annuum) Every season, we get particularly excited about a handful of new varieties, and this unassuming little sweet pepper was recently near the top of that list. A specialty of Bulgaria, this heart-shaped, pimiento-type pepper ripens from green to bright red with very thick walls and wonderful sweet flavor, the perfect small size for stuffing, yet plenty substantial enough for roasting (our source for many year’s Ajvar and Romesco). Early and very prolific, the plants sport a superb architecture: sturdy, compact, and upright, keeping the fruits up off the soil even in wet conditions.
80-90 days. UO

Packet: 30 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Indoors, 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.

Transplant out after danger of frost (50+ nighttime temps).

Note: Protect well from the cold!

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/4"

SPACING:

12-24" spacing in rows 24-36" apart.

EMERGENCE:

7-14 days @ soil temp 70-85F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Moderate-Heavy. Prefer well-drained, fertile soil with ample phosphorous and calcium (too little calcium can cause blossom end rot) and a pH between 6.5-6.8.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Pepper seeds germinate very slowly and poorly in cold soil. Keep soil temperatures at 80-90F while germinating, and grow plants at 70F.

After transplanting, use a floating row cover to keep plants warmer during the day and protect them from cold nights. Remove as temperatures increase. Too much heat can cause blossom drop.

Taller varieties benefit from staking.

Harvesting ripe fruit consistently encourages fruit production.

Sweet Pepper, 'Osmarsko Kambe'