66-74 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Jupiter Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, sweet pepper with no heat. 0 Scoville Heat Units. Resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The stocky 30-inch plant produces 4-lobed fruit that is 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. The leaves are dense and create a canopy, protecting the fruits from sunburn. Its walls are thick, and the fruit starts green and matures to red. Grow this variety for sweet and delicious bell peppers. ~5,000 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Capsicum annuum Hardiness Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11. Days to Maturity: 66-74 (from transplant) Days to Germination: 7-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: No Start Indoors: Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Harden off and transplant when seedlings are 6-8 inches tall. Bury the stem slightly deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting hot and sweet peppers right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate, potentially affecting the flavors of your harvested peppers. Pepper Pollination: Peppers have perfect flowers (male and female parts) and will self-pollinate. However, wind and pollinator activity may increase success rates of fertilization and fruit production. Pepper Type: Sweet - These peppers (think Bell Peppers) are almost all at 0 on the Scoville Scale, meaning that they have no heat at all. A handful of sweet peppers do register very low on the Scoville scale but are still classed as sweet peppers. For example, Pepperoncinis are sweet peppers but usually rank around 100 to 500 on the Scoville Scale. Plant Spacing: 12-24 inches Row Spacing: 24-36 inches Plant Height: 24-36 inches Plant Width: 18-24 inches Growth Habit: Upright Deer Resistant: No Scoville Heat Units: 0 Heat Level: Sweet - Peppers with no heat. 0-99 on the Scoville Scale. Growth Speed: Early - Ready for harvest around 61 to 75 days from transplant. Soil Preference: Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.5 pH), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting, similar to tomatoes. Peppers also need sufficient amounts of phosphorus and calcium. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer for the best results. Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F). During high heat, foliar and flower development slow or pause until temperatures return to the preferred range. Germination Temperature: 80-90 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Peppers are commonly susceptible to cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial spot, Phytophthora, sunscald, and blossom end rot. To avoid or reduce problems with pests and diseases, stick to a regular watering schedule (drip irrigation is preferred), plant into well-draining soils, and utilize practices such as crop rotation. When taking pest control measures, consider utilizing integrated pest management principles by using mechanical removal, biological control, and other cultural practices before turning to chemical agents. Jupiter Pepper Color: Red Jupiter Pepper Flavor: Mild, Sweet Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container Pepper Use: Fresh eating, Salads, Sauteing, Stuffing Climate Tolerance: Growing Jupiter Peppers in the Vegetable Garden Sowing Jupiter pepper seeds indoors about eight weeks before the last expected frost is ideal. Jupiter peppers need a warm environment to germinate effectively. Plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep in a soil medium suitable for germination. Using a heat mat, maintain the soil temperature at about 80 F (27 C). Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to fungal issues like damping off. Provide plenty of light, either through a sunny window or a grow light, to help the seedlings grow strong and prevent them from becoming leggy. Begin hardening off the pepper plants about a week before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun, as peppers thrive with a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Enrich the planting area with well-composted organic matter to nourish the plants and improve soil structure. Transplant the seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall and the nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 F (10 C). Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to give each plenty of room to flourish. Water the plants deeply and consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to encourage strong root development. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or grass clippings, to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the plants with an organic vegetable fertilizer according to package directions, typically every four to six weeks. This will help support their vigorous growth and fruit production. Although resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Jupiter peppers, like all garden plants, can attract pests. To manage these organically, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on common pests. Use floating row covers to protect the plants from early-season pests. If necessary, apply organic-approved pesticides like neem oil sparingly. Regularly check plants for signs of pests and diseases and act promptly to mitigate any issues. Implement companion planting to enhance your Jupiter peppers' health and productivity naturally. Good companions include basil, which can repel pests and enhance flavor, and marigolds, which deter nematodes and other pests. Avoid planting peppers near beans and brassicas; these can inhibit each other's growth. Prune any leaves that touch the soil to prevent disease, and consider removing some of the lower branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Harvesting Jupiter Peppers Jupiter peppers are typically ready to harvest about 66-79 days after transplanting. Although they can be harvested while green, they are most flavorful when they change to red, as they become sweeter and richer. Harvest the peppers by cutting them with scissors or a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant. These peppers are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, perfect for any dish requiring a sweet, robust pepper. About Jupiter Pepper Garden Seeds This stocky 30-inch plant produces delicious 4-lobed fruit maturing at 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches and a deep red color. The dense canopy protects the fruits from sunburn, making this variety perfect for sunnier areas. The thick, sweet, red fruits are perfect for stuffing, grilling, slicing, stewing, and preserving. Use Jupiter peppers in any recipe calling for a sweet red bell pepper. Known for its fruity sweet flavor, this beautiful bell is a culinary staple in restaurants and home kitchens worldwide. Sweet peppers can be eaten raw with vegetable dip, on fresh salads, stuffed with various fillings, and cooked. Bell peppers can also be dried and powdered for use as a spice in soups, stews, and sauces. Higher in Vitamin C than an orange, sweet red bell peppers are a nutritious addition to balanced meals. Carotenoids, which are found in relatively high amounts in bell peppers, may contribute to eye health. Although pepper plants are native to the tropical regions of South America and Mexico, the sweet bell pepper was developed in Hungary in the 1920s and then quickly caught on in the United States. Tips From Our Gardeners "I recommend harvesting as soon as you see fruits ready to be eaten. Regular removal encourages the plant to produce more fruit, extending your yield throughout the growing season." - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Scoville Heat Scale Jupiter Pepper Seeds Per Package: 500mg - Packet - Approximately 750 Seeds .25 oz - Packet - Approximately 1,250 Seeds 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,000 Seeds 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 20,000 Seeds 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds Non-GMO Jupiter Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
