Dharaseeds
Sweet Pepper Seeds - Cubanelle
Estimated delivery between February 05 and February 08.
Cubanelle peppers are a mild, sweet variety of pepper, prized for their thin skin, light yellow-green to orange color, and sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Often used in Mediterranean and Latin cuisines, they are perfect for grilling, frying, or adding to fresh salsas. Their mild heat and crisp texture make them a favorite in both cooked and raw dishes, offering a deliciously sweet, peppery taste without overwhelming heat.
Key Benefits
- Mild Sweet Flavor: Offers a sweet and slightly tangy flavor without the intense heat of other pepper varieties.
- Thin Skin: The thin skin makes Cubanelle peppers easy to slice and cook, ideal for stuffing, grilling, or frying.
- High Yield: Produces an abundant harvest of peppers, making it a great option for home gardeners.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for use in a variety of dishes such as stir-fries, salsas, salads, and stuffed pepper recipes.
- Compact Growth: Ideal for both large and small gardens, with plants typically growing between 18–24 inches tall.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants that grow to about 18–24 inches tall, producing an abundance of peppers.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and mild, with a light tanginess that makes them a great addition to fresh dishes or cooked meals.
- Growth Habit: Upright growth with peppers that ripen from light yellow-green to a golden yellow or pale orange color.
- Size: Peppers are typically 4–6 inches long and about 2 inches wide, with thin, crisp flesh.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
- Best grown in warm temperatures, ideally 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C), for optimal growth.
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
- Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential to encourage healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Aim for about 1–1.5 inches of water per week.
- Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong root development.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time and again when the plants begin to fruit for best results.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excess leaf growth instead of fruit production.
Weeding and Mulching
- Keep the soil free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
- Apply mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Diseases: Cubanelle peppers are susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and blight. Practice good crop rotation and remove any infected plants.
Harvesting
Maturity
- Cubanelle peppers are typically ready to harvest in 60–70 days from transplanting, depending on weather and growing conditions.
- Harvest peppers when they reach their full size, but before they turn completely red to preserve their mild sweetness. The peppers can be harvested while still yellow-green for a milder flavor, or wait until they ripen to an orange or yellow color for a sweeter taste.
Method
- Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Handle with care to avoid bruising the delicate peppers.
Storage
- Short-Term: Fresh Cubanelle peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Long-Term: These peppers can be frozen for long-term storage. To freeze, wash and slice the peppers, then spread them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to an airtight container.
Culinary Uses
- Grilled or Roasted: Slice the peppers and grill or roast them with a little olive oil for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use Cubanelle peppers as a stuffing vessel for a variety of fillings, such as rice, cheese, or meat.
- Salsas and Sauces: Dice and add to salsas or sauces for a mild, sweet flavor.
- Stir-Fries and Salads: Cubanelle peppers add crunch and a burst of sweetness to stir-fries, salads, and other fresh dishes.
Conclusion
Cubanelle peppers are a flavorful, versatile variety of sweet pepper that offers a mild, sweet taste without the heat. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or adding to fresh dishes, these peppers are a great addition to any garden. Whether used in Mediterranean dishes, Latin American cuisine, or simply as a crunchy snack, Cubanelle peppers are sure to enhance your meals with their unique flavor and colorful appearance.