Siberia's harsh climate has long been known. Many believe that the region is only suitable for buying food, that growing one's own crops is out of the question, or that building permanent, heated greenhouses is necessary to grow fruits and vegetables. That's not true. You can successfully grow a wide variety of vegetables in Siberia, including everyone's favorite pepper. You just need to choose the right varieties. This article is dedicated to that. You'll learn which varieties are best suited to which conditions, and also learn the key to achieving a bountiful harvest.
Varieties for Siberian greenhouses
Peppers can be grown outdoors in Siberia, but most residents prefer greenhouses and hotbeds. They're truly more reliable. But the variety also matters. Let's look at the most popular ones.
Hercules
As its name suggests, this variety is strong and vigorous. The mid-season plant is quite tall, requiring support. The fruits are also quite large, averaging 300 grams per pepper. The peppers are red, with thick walls and firm skin.
'Hercules' can be grown both in a greenhouse and in the open ground. It is characterized by increased disease resistance, is pest-resistant, and tolerates weather fluctuations.
Gardeners appreciate this variety's ability to store well and withstand long-distance transportation. It is often grown commercially. It has versatile culinary uses.
Red Bull
This medium-sized hybrid was bred specifically for growing in harsh Siberian conditions. It can be planted both in a greenhouse and in the open ground. This variety is characterized by high yields. Although it is medium-sized, it requires staking because the bush produces so many fruits that it simply cannot support them. A distinct advantage is the large number of ovaries it produces, even in low light conditions, but if the soil is too rich in nitrogen, these ovaries may fall off.
The fruits change color from green to red as they ripen. The flesh is sweet and juicy, with walls up to a centimeter thick.
Denis
This variety produces a harvest approximately 95-100 days after the first shoots emerge. This is quite rare for Siberia, so this early-ripening pepper is quite popular in this region. Moreover, it has no special growing conditions.
The bushes are medium-sized, approximately 70 cm, but require support due to the very large fruits. Each fruit averages 350-400 grams. They can only be grown in a greenhouse. They are most often eaten fresh, but are also suitable for canning and freezing.
Latinos
A rather attractive bell pepper. The tall bushes (up to a meter, sometimes even higher) bear numerous fruits, which change from green to red as they ripen.
This variety is early maturing. You can taste the peppers 105-110 days after the first shoots appear. With a yield of up to 14-15 kg per square meter, "Latinos" is quite popular and is often grown not only for home use but also for sale.
The fruit weighs up to 120 grams at technical freshness level and up to 250-300 grams at biological freshness level. The taste is sweet with a pleasant aftertaste.
Grenada
This early hybrid is designed for greenhouse cultivation. It is self-pollinating, guaranteeing a 100% harvest.
The bush is medium-sized, but can sometimes grow up to a meter, so it's best to plan supports and tying methods in advance. The fruits are quite large, with juicy flesh and walls up to 7 mm thick. When technically ripe, they are green, turning first yellow and then orange as they ripen.
Can be used in any culinary recipes.
Casablanca
One of the earliest pepper varieties suitable for growing in Siberia. Harvesting is possible 90-95 days after the first shoots emerge.
As they ripen, the skin color changes from light green to deep orange. Peppers also reach biological maturity when picked from the bush. So, they can be harvested as soon as they reach technical maturity to allow other peppers to obtain sufficient nutrients and vital energy.
This pepper variety is distinguished by its very large size. Even a single pepper is enough to prepare a large fresh vegetable salad.
The flesh is juicy and sweet. The walls are up to 8 mm thick.
Flamenco
Another early-ripening hybrid, bred specifically for harsh climates. The fruits are large. The color ranges from light yellow to deep red. The walls are up to 8 mm thick. The flesh is juicy and slightly sweet. The aroma becomes more intense as it reaches biological maturity.
Peppers store well and can be easily transported over long distances. They are versatile in cooking.
Yellow Bull
This mid-early hybrid has a very attractive appearance. Its color changes from rich green to bright yellow as it ripens.
The fruits are cone-shaped, with a pointed tip. The wall thickness is up to a centimeter. The flesh is juicy, with a rich flavor and distinct aroma. A distinct advantage is the ability to form ovaries and produce a good harvest even under the most unfavorable conditions.
Once harvested, peppers can be stored for quite a long time. Their appearance and flavor remain unchanged. Therefore, this variety is often grown commercially.
Cardinal
This early-ripening hybrid is quite demanding. Grown exclusively in a greenhouse, it requires nutritious soil, regular fertilizing, and adequate lighting. Tall bushes (up to a meter) require staking.
The fruits are quite large, the flesh is very juicy, and the walls are thick, up to 8 mm. The color changes as they ripen, from green to deep purple.
Its culinary use is universal.
Claudio
This pepper variety is a mid-season Dutch hybrid. Harvesting begins 115-120 days after the first shoots emerge.
The bush grows to a height of approximately 1.3-1.5 m. Sturdy supports are essential. The fruits weigh approximately 250-280 grams and turn red when ripe.
It is distinguished by its increased resistance to diseases and pests.
The flavor is rich and the aroma is distinct. It can be used for fresh cooking, canning, and freezing.
Atlas
One of the best mid-season varieties bred for cultivation in Siberian regions, it is not grown commercially due to its average yield. However, the fruit's flavor is simply amazing. And most importantly, it retains its aroma and flavor even when canned or frozen.
The bush reaches a height of approximately 75-80 cm. The fruits can be harvested 110-115 days after the first shoots appear. The color changes from green to bright red as they ripen.
Cockatoo
This hybrid got its name from its striking color at biological maturity. The bright orange fruits can sometimes also have red walls, "tanned" by direct sunlight.
The bushes are very tall, at least 1.5 meters. The branches are spreading and take up quite a lot of space, so it's best not to plant the seedlings too often.
Harvesting begins 110 days after the first shoots emerge. The fruits weigh 450-500 grams. They have sweet, juicy flesh and a rich aroma, with a lingering aftertaste.
Orange Bull
This early-ripening hybrid is suitable for growing both outdoors and indoors, but produces the best yields in a greenhouse.
The variety is disease- and pest-resistant, tolerates temperature fluctuations, and is not affected by low light. At technical maturity, it is green; at biological maturity, it is bright orange.
The fruits are very tasty, sweet, and juicy. They can be used in any recipe, but are best suited for stuffing and canning.
The best pepper varieties for Siberian greenhouses
Northern regions can have varying climates. The varieties listed above produce good results, but for those who want 100% certainty, we recommend considering the following.
Beloserka
This mid-early variety yields a harvest in just 110-115 days after the first shoots emerge. It grows as a standard plant. The bushes are low, reaching a maximum height of 65-70 cm. The fruits are cone-shaped, weighing approximately 100 grams each. The flesh is juicy, with a wall thickness of up to 7 mm. The fruits ripen evenly. A bright red skin color indicates biological maturity.
An average yield of 8 kg of pepper per square meter is obtained. This variety is characterized by increased immunity, resistance to rot, fungi, and pests. A distinct advantage is its long fruiting period, but only with adequate light.
The Belozerka pepper is sweet and has a rich aroma that retains its flavor even when frozen or canned. This variety is distinguished by its ability to withstand long-distance transport and stores very well.
Korenovsky
This mid-early hybrid was bred for greenhouse cultivation. It requires stable temperatures and adequate light.
The bushes are vigorous and semi-spreading, reaching a height of 65-70 cm. The leaves are quite large and a rich green. If they begin to fade, it means there isn't enough light.
The harvest can be completed 115-120 days after the first shoots appear. The fruits are cone-shaped and quite large, weighing up to 165 grams. The flesh is very juicy. The wall thickness is average – approximately 4.5 mm.
At technical maturity, they are a light green color, turning red at biological maturity. The flavor is rich and the aroma is distinct. The variety is resistant to diseases and pests and stores well.
Approximately 4 kg of harvest per square meter is obtained. However, there is a drawback. The seeds, even those purchased from the most trusted suppliers, have a very low germination rate, and growing them in poor soil is not even worth the effort.
Triton
This early-ripening variety produces fruit approximately 90 days after the first shoots emerge. The bush is medium-height, up to 60 cm. It has a distinctive, umbrella-shaped dome of leaves. It is characterized by high yields. A single bush yields approximately 50 fruits weighing approximately 150 grams, and up to 10 kg per square meter.
The pepper is cone-shaped and sweet, with juicy flesh and a medium-thick wall, approximately 5-6 mm. Ripe peppers are light yellow, and with further ripening, they will acquire a rich red color. It was bred for canning and freezing, but can also be eaten fresh.
The variety is undemanding to growing conditions and has increased immunity.
Merchant
One of the earliest pepper varieties, suitable for growing in the harsh northern climate. The first fruits are harvested just 90 days after germination. The bush is vigorous and spreading, reaching a height of up to 80 cm. The fruits are small, weighing no more than 70 grams each, but have fairly thick walls – up to 7 mm – very juicy flesh, and a wonderful aroma.
Ripe fruits are green, but turn red as they reach biological maturity. They are high in vitamin C and sugar.
Approximately 2.5 kg of peppers are harvested per square meter. For normal development and full fruiting, sufficient oxygen supply to the roots is essential. However, loosening should be done very carefully to avoid damaging the already sensitive root system.
How to sow pepper seeds in Siberia?
Growing peppers is challenging even in regions with a consistently warm climate, and it's even more challenging in the harsh conditions of Siberia. But don't give up yet. With just a little effort, a harvest of fresh, healthy vegetables will be your reward.
Disembarkation time
The timing of seedling planting is crucial. Don't think that a few days' difference is insignificant. The planting timing significantly affects the appearance of the seedlings, their emergence time, the vigor of the seedlings, the time it takes for flowering to occur, and the number of fruits.
The boarding time depends on the following factors:
- Growing location for peppers. Transplanting mature seedlings into the ground, a hotbed, or a greenhouse occurs at different times. When choosing an open bed, a stable air temperature of at least 20-22°C (70-72°F) during the day is essential. For indoor gardens, soil warmth is much more important. If the soil temperature drops below 15°C (59°F), the seedlings will simply die. Planting must occur before flowering begins. Therefore, seeds for greenhouses should be germinated two weeks earlier than those for open beds.
- Pepper maturity. Early varieties yield a harvest 95-100 days after germination.
Mid-season varieties allow harvesting after 110-125 days, while late varieties allow harvesting after 130-150 days. However, this refers to the point of technical maturity. Many varieties require an additional 10 to 20 days on the vine for the fruit to reach biological maturity. However, some ripen even after picking.
Seed preparation
To ensure good germination, it's essential to properly prepare the seeds and select the right soil mixture and seedling containers. Home-collected seeds can only be planted in the second, or preferably third, year after collection, and they shouldn't be from hybrids. Store-bought seeds have already been aged for the required period, so it's best to choose seeds from the same year they're being planted. If they're more than two or three years old, half of them may fail to germinate.
The seeds need to be sorted, removing any damaged ones. Then, dissolve a spoonful of salt in a glass of water, stir, and drop in the seeds. After a few minutes, some will sink to the bottom, while others will float to the surface. You can safely discard the damaged ones. These are either empty seeds or weak ones, and there's no point in planting them at all.
Then the seeds need to be treated in a mild potassium permanganate solution. They can be wrapped in cheesecloth and immersed in the deep pink solution for 20-30 minutes.
Then, you can leave the seeds in the same cheesecloth to germinate. Make sure they don't touch each other. For faster germination, cover the container with the cheesecloth and seeds with plastic wrap or glass. Make sure the sprout doesn't exceed 1 mm in size. If it's larger, it could be damaged during planting.
For the Siberian harvest, it's a good idea to not only treat the seeds for pests but also harden them. To do this, wrap them in a damp cloth and refrigerate for two days. After 12 hours, keep them in a warm place and refrigerate again for two days.
Soil preparation
Peppers are very demanding when it comes to soil composition, but in addition to nutrient content, its looseness is also important. You can buy a ready-made soil mixture, or you can make your own. To do this, mix two parts humus and compost, adding one part river sand. If sand is unavailable, you can substitute it with wood ash.
Store-bought soil is usually treated for pests and parasites, but homemade soil requires this treatment. The best way is to heat the soil in a double boiler. You can also water it with a hot solution of potassium permanganate and add onion peels to the mixture.
But remember that larvae and fungi can be found not only in the soil, but also on the surface of seedling pots, tools, etc. So they also need to be disinfected.
Sowing for seedlings
All pepper varieties have weak root systems, and the slightest damage to them results in the death of the entire plant. Therefore, for several years now, gardeners have been advised to plant seeds for seedlings in individual pots rather than in a common container. These pots should hold at least 0.5 liters and be at least 11 cm tall.
Peat tablets and pots are very convenient for growing pepper seedlings. They provide both a container and fertilizer, and you don't have to worry about moving the soil. The plants are buried in the hole with them, and the root system is not damaged.
The seeds should be placed into the soil no deeper than 3 mm and ensure that the sprout is pointing straight up.
The soil temperature should be at least 25 degrees Celsius, and it should be moistened beforehand. Then, cover the containers with plastic wrap or glass and place them in a warm place until the seedlings emerge. If the temperature is 25-30 degrees Celsius, they will appear within a week; if it's around 20 degrees Celsius, they will appear within 10-14 days; if it's below 18 degrees Celsius, they won't appear for at least three weeks or even a month. At 13-14 degrees Celsius, they will stop developing and not germinate at all.
One of the main problems with growing seedlings is excessive stretching. This occurs when there's insufficient light. Remember that normally, a flower should form after the ninth leaf. If this doesn't happen, and leaves continue to form, it's time to provide additional lighting. On average, a fluorescent lamp should be on for 15-16 hours daily.
Water the sprouts with warm water. Rotate the containers regularly to prevent the seedlings from leaning to one side.
After the first two leaves appear, you can fertilize the plants. You can use ready-made store-bought fertilizers or traditional methods.
About 10-14 days before transplanting to their permanent location, harden off the seedlings. This is especially important for varieties intended for outdoor cultivation. To do this, take the pepper containers outside daily, gradually increasing the time spent there. On the last day, you can try leaving them outside overnight, but ensure they are well-covered. This will also be necessary during the first week after transplanting.
Transfer
The pepper bed should be placed in a well-lit area. It should have adequate air circulation, but drafts are unacceptable. Transplanting is done when the first buds appear on the seedlings. The average distance between the holes is 50 cm, but this depends on the variety. Sometimes, it is recommended to space the plants a meter or more apart.
The hole should be wide enough to accommodate the root system. The seedling should be buried slightly deeper than it was in the pot. It's a good idea to add some mineral fertilizer to each hole beforehand, but make sure it doesn't contain chlorine.
No watering is required for approximately 5-7 days. Then, water every 2-3 days, unless it's extremely hot. It's important to water only with warm, settled water, and only at the roots.
Remember to loosen the soil regularly to ensure sufficient moisture and oxygen reach the roots.
These are the basic recommendations for growing this variety in Siberia, but each species has its own characteristics, so be sure to study them as well.
New Siberian varieties
The first positive results of pepper cultivation in Siberian regions inspired breeders to create new varieties. Let's look at the most popular ones.
Dandy
This early-ripening variety was bred in Western Siberia. The plant is short, reaching no more than 50 cm in height. Its shape resembles a barrel, and the fruit weighs 180-200 grams. At technical maturity, the peppercorns are light green; at biological maturity, they are a rich yellow. Its appearance is quite attractive, it keeps well, and it tolerates long-distance transport, making it often grown commercially.
Moneybags
This variety quickly established itself as a successful crop. It can be grown both in greenhouses and open beds. It is resistant to weather fluctuations, withstanding cold, excessive humidity, and heat.
The bush is not tall, up to 60 cm, but is quite spreading and powerful and requires support.
The fruits are cone-shaped. At least 15 ovaries form on a single bush. The peppers are bright red and weigh up to 250 grams. Up to 5 kg of yield can be harvested per square meter.
Sweet chocolate
This mid-early variety gets its name from its unusual color. But the most interesting thing is that beneath the brown skin lies juicy, deep red flesh. The bush grows to approximately 80 cm tall. The flavor is sweet with a hint of bitterness, and the aroma is very rich.
Can be grown both in greenhouses and in open ground.
Golden calf
This mid-early variety was bred specifically for Siberia. The bush grows to approximately 75 cm tall, producing large, yellow fruits that can weigh up to half a kilogram. The flesh is sweet and juicy. Up to 15 fruits can be harvested from a single bush. It has versatile culinary uses.
High-yielding varieties with very tasty fruits
For those who grow garden crops for their own family rather than for sale, not only increased yield and low maintenance are crucial, but also excellent taste. Interested in these pepper varieties? Then the ones discussed below will suit you.
Siberian prince
This early-ripening variety yields a harvest within 100-110 days of germination. It can be grown outdoors or under plastic. The bush is tall and vigorous, with spreading branches. The cone-shaped fruits weigh 150 grams and have an average wall thickness of no more than 5 mm. They are initially yellow-green, turning bright red as they ripen.
A yield of 4.5-5 kg per square meter is obtained. It has an excellent taste and rich aroma. It has versatile culinary uses, but is most often used for stuffing due to its shape.
Siberian format
This mid-early hybrid boasts a high yield. A single plant can yield up to 3.5 kg of fruit. The peppers are cube-shaped, with color shifting from green to red. Each pepper weighs up to 450 grams. Some specimens weigh over 600 grams, but this is only true in greenhouses.
Planting should be approximately 5-7 plants per square meter. It thrives in moist and fertile soil, so be sure to fertilize regularly.
Siberian Valenok
This mid-early hybrid can be grown both outdoors and in greenhouses. Bushes reach up to 60 cm in height. The fruits are medium-sized, weighing up to 200 grams. They have very juicy flesh with a rich flavor and aroma. The wall thickness is 9 mm. It has versatile culinary uses.
The variety is resilient to changing environmental conditions. It produces a good harvest even in low light and cold conditions.
Eastern bazaar
This mid-early hybrid is characterized by high yields. The bushes are medium-height and fairly compact. The fruits are green at technical maturity, then turn yellow and red. The color determines the flavor. Green peppers are sweet, yellow ones are more aromatic, and red ones acquire a slight spiciness and a lingering aftertaste.
Siberian bonus
This mid-early hybrid has average yields. It can be grown both outdoors and indoors. Each fruit weighs approximately 100 g. The peppers are very attractive, golden-orange in color. They have versatile culinary uses, but due to their shape, they are most often used for stuffing.
Tusk
This early-ripening hybrid produces an excellent harvest. However, it requires sturdy supports. The bush grows up to 1.5 meters and has spreading branches.
The fruits are green at first, then turn a deep red. Each weighs 150 grams, and is juicy and fleshy. The flavor is excellent, and the aroma is distinct.
The best varieties by ripening time
Early and mid-early pepper varieties are recommended for growing in Siberia. Late varieties may simply not have time to ripen due to the short summer.
Early ripening peppers
Early varieties allow harvesting 90-100 days after the first shoots emerge. They can produce fruit over varying periods. Some ripen evenly, while others take a longer time to bear fruit. It's essential to ensure the plant receives sufficient heat, light, and moisture. Most of the varieties listed below are suitable for greenhouse cultivation. Here are the most popular:
- Orange Miracle. The pepper can be harvested as early as 100 days after germination. The bush is medium-height, approximately 80 cm, but staking is essential. The yield is high. Each pepper weighs approximately 250 grams, and there are at least 10 per bush, and with proper care, up to 15. The pepper is bright orange. The flesh is rich and juicy. The walls are 10 mm thick. It has versatile culinary uses.
- Kolobok. It got its name from its unique shape. When technically ripe, it's green, then turns red. A distinctive feature is the upward-growing peppercorns. The fruits are small, weighing up to 120 grams, tasty and juicy, and the bush grows to a medium height.
- Poplar. The fruit weighs approximately 150 grams, the bush is medium-height, and has spreading branches. It bears fruit even in nutrient-deficient soil, low light, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Single. This variety is recommended for beginning gardeners. It is particularly tolerant of environmental conditions and soil composition. Fruits weigh up to 200 grams, and the bushes are medium-height.
It is also worth mentioning the varieties "Cardinal", "Atlant", "Latino", but we have already discussed them, so we will not repeat them.
Peppers of mid-early ripening period
Mid-season pepper varieties are harvested 120-135 days after the first shoots emerge. Most are intended for open ground cultivation. However, it's a good idea to provide shelter in case of sudden weather changes. The most popular varieties are:
- California Wonder. Bushes grow up to 75 cm tall, yielding up to 10 kg per square meter with proper care. The peppers are fleshy and cuboid. Each fruit weighs 160-170 g. The wall thickness is 7 mm. They are picked green; indoor cultivation allows them to ripen to a red color.
- Red Miracle. The harvest is 120-125 days after the seedlings emerge. The fruits turn red as they ripen. The bushes are medium-height and compact. The flavor is very pleasant.
- Red Spade. An excellent choice for winter preservation. Each pepper weighs approximately 150 grams, has juicy flesh, and medium-thick walls. It yields approximately 5-6 kg per square meter.
- Alyosha Popovich. This pepper can be harvested 120 days after germination. The bush is vigorous and spreading, reaching a height of 70-80 cm. The fruits are medium-fleshy, sweet, and weigh approximately 170 grams. Approximately 5 kg are harvested per square meter.
- A gift from Moldova. It is resistant to weather fluctuations. The bushes are low, up to 45 cm. Up to 7 kg of yield can be harvested per square meter. They ripen 120-130 days after germination.
Harsh weather conditions aren't a reason to give up growing fresh vegetables. Choose the right varieties, follow proper gardening practices, and you'll be sure to reap a bountiful harvest.
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Tatiana
A very useful resource for Siberians! It helps us choose the right pepper varieties for our region. The cultivation techniques and specific features are described in simple, understandable language. Thank you!