Sweet Pepper Seeds - Piquillo

The Piquillo pepper is a small, sweet, and flavorful variety known for its vibrant red color and distinct taste. Originating from Spain, this pepper is often used in Mediterranean cuisine and is prized for its mild heat and deliciously sweet flavor. With its thick flesh and slightly smoky undertones, Piquillo peppers are perfect for roasting, stuffing, or making sauces. Their versatility and rich taste make them a must-grow for gardeners interested in adding a unique flavor to their dishes.

Key Benefits

• Sweet, Mild Flavor: Known for its sweet and mild taste, with just a hint of smokiness.
• Vibrant Red Color: The peppers ripen to a rich red, adding visual appeal to the garden and kitchen.
• Thick, Meaty Flesh: Piquillo peppers have a thick, fleshy texture, making them ideal for stuffing or grilling.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Perfect for roasting, grilling, stuffing, or making sauces.
• High Yield: Produces an abundant harvest of small, flavorful peppers.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact plants, typically growing 18–24 inches tall, making them suitable for smaller gardens or containers.
• Fruit Profile: Small, pointed peppers with a thick flesh and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
• Maturity: Ready for harvest in 70–80 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Heat Level: Sweet with no significant heat, perfect for those who enjoy mild peppers.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed and when the soil has warmed.
• Best grown in temperatures between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun to ensure optimal growth and pepper production.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells.
• Well-draining soil is important to prevent root rot.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again when the peppers begin to fruit. A fertilizer with higher potassium content will improve fruit quality.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the plants to reduce competition for nutrients.
• Use mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use organic insecticidal soap if necessary.
• Diseases: Piquillo peppers are generally resistant to common pepper diseases but practice crop rotation and good garden hygiene to avoid issues like fungal infections.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Harvest the peppers when they have turned a deep red and are firm to the touch. The peppers should be fully mature before picking.

How to Harvest

• Use garden scissors or shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a short portion of the stem attached.

Storage

• Fresh Storage: Piquillo peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, roast the peppers, peel them, and freeze.
• Canning: Piquillo peppers can be preserved by pickling or canning for later use.

Culinary Uses

• Stuffed Peppers: These peppers are ideal for stuffing with cheeses, meats, or grains due to their thick flesh.
• Roasted or Grilled: Roast or grill the peppers to bring out their natural sweetness and smoky flavor.
• Piquillo Pepper Sauce: Blend roasted Piquillo peppers into a smooth sauce to use with meats, pasta, or as a dip.
• Salads and Tapas: Add to Mediterranean-style salads or serve as part of a Spanish tapas spread.

Conclusion

The Piquillo pepper is a flavorful and versatile variety, perfect for gardeners looking to add a sweet, slightly smoky taste to their kitchen. With its high yield, thick flesh, and vibrant red color, it’s an excellent addition to Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired dishes. Whether stuffed, roasted, or made into sauces, Piquillo peppers are sure to be a hit in both the garden and on the table.