Description and characteristics of easy-to-grow and high-yielding varieties of sweet pepper

Pepper

Sweet peppers are nightshade crops, and their development requires a particular focus on the plant's root system. This includes timely soil fertilization, maintaining moderate soil moisture, and creating optimal climate conditions without sudden temperature fluctuations.

A pepper variety is easy to care for if it is resistant to diseases, such as late blight or fungal infections, and also has the ability to form future fruit ovaries even under unfavorable weather conditions.

High-yielding varieties of sweet pepper

The choice of hardy and undemanding sweet pepper varieties is driven by the need to grow them in open ground conditions, as well as in greenhouses, in the temperate and northern regions with predominantly cold climates. At the same time, the plants maintain a high yield of fruit with a characteristically balanced flavor.

Hercules

The Hercules sweet pepper is one of the varieties best suited to the unpredictable local climate. The bushes are compact and semi-spreading, reaching a height of approximately 50 cm. The ripening period lasts approximately 100 days from germination. Ripe fruits are a rich red color and weigh approximately 200 grams.

The pepper can be used at both biological and technical maturity. At technical maturity, the fruits are dark green but lack any bitterness. The fruit is 12 cm tall, and the walls, containing juicy, aromatic flesh, are approximately 7 mm thick. The Hercules pepper is excellent for fresh consumption, use in hot dishes, and canning for the winter.

Another important factor concerns the yield: one bush can yield approximately 3 kg of fruit. Harvesting can be done from July to October. The variety's popularity among experienced gardeners is also due to its resistance to most dangerous diseases. The plants are particularly resistant to fusarium wilt, which causes rapid rotting of the root system and collar.

Important! If seedlings are planted outdoors, they are covered with protective film for the first 5 to 8 days to facilitate their adaptation. This is not necessary when grown in a greenhouse.

Among the mandatory care requirements, it is worth highlighting:

timely moderate watering (at least 2 times a week);
top dressing (no more than twice a month and with a minimum break of 7-8 days);
loosening the soil to prevent a crust from forming and to allow the roots to receive the necessary oxygen.

An important advantage of the Hercules variety is its good shelf life, preserving all its beneficial properties and qualities, which is necessary for growing for sale.

Siberian bonus

Following the minimum growing conditions for the Siberian Bonus sweet pepper yields approximately 15 large orange fruits, each weighing approximately 280–310 grams. The bushes typically reach a height of 80 cm. This variety is suitable for growing in open ground as well as in protected greenhouses.

This variety is primarily used fresh. Maximum yield can be achieved by growing from seedlings. Seeds are sown 60-70 days before planned planting in a permanent location. While germination requires an air temperature of at least 24-26°C, the permanent soil should be at least 16-17°C.

When planting, maintain a planting density of no more than 6-7 plants per square meter. As the pepper grows, remove the lower leaves to prevent the tops from touching the soil. This variety is resistant to late blight, which appears as gray-brown spots with white mold along the edges on the pepper stems and leaves.

Important! To successfully grow the Siberian Bonus pepper variety, select soil with moderate acidity. Suitable soil for pepper cultivation consists of equal parts garden soil and well-rotted compost, to which sifted wood ash is added (in a ratio of 1 to 10 of the prepared mixture).

Mandatory care requirements include timely watering, fertilizing the root system with mineral substances (1-2 times a month), and timely loosening of the soil after rain (to prevent crust formation).

The Sun of Italy

The easy-to-care-for sweet pepper variety "Sun of Italy" boasts large, bright yellow fruits weighing up to 490-510 grams. Another important feature is the fleshy flesh and thick walls—approximately 6-8 mm thick. Moreover, the pepper has a balanced flavor without bitterness. With only the necessary watering and timely fertilizing, you can expect a harvest of 6-8 kg.

From the moment the first shoots emerge until the first harvest, it takes approximately 115 to 120 days. The Sun of Italy pepper is used fresh, in sauces, and even for winter preservation. Because the plants tolerate unpredictable climates quite well, they can be grown not only in greenhouses but also outdoors (provided they are grown from seedlings).

The bushes exhibit resistance to fungal and viral diseases such as late blight, fusarium wilt, and blackleg. The Sun of Italy pepper variety tolerates short periods of cold weather quite well, without losing its ability to set fruit.

Essential growing conditions include timely mulching to prevent excessive moisture loss through evaporation and loosening the soil to provide the roots with oxygen. Watering should be done at least twice a week using warm water (at least 25-28°C). Fertilizing should be done at least 7-10 days apart. Fertilizing is essential when planting the bushes in their permanent location and before they begin to bloom.

Shorokshars

The Shorokhshary pepper variety is a high-yielding variety, yielding approximately 3–3.5 kg per plant with minimal care. The fruits themselves are orange-red in color, oval-cuboid in shape, and have walls up to 6–8 mm thick. This variety has a balanced sweet flavor and is successfully used for both fresh cooking and canning.

The main feature of growing the Shorokhshary variety concerns the plant's resistance to blossom-end rot, which manifests itself as brown fruit on the fruit walls and most often indicates a calcium deficiency (a substance that tends to break down with sudden changes in soil conditions: from too wet to overdried).

The growing season lasts approximately 110–125 days. The bushes are standard-shaped and reach a height of approximately 50–65 cm. Each fruit weighs 100–150 g.

The process of successfully growing the Shorokhshary variety involves several proven secrets regarding fertilizing. The following are well suited for this purpose:

wood ash;
tobacco dust;
sulfur.

Adequate lighting and the absence of severe frosts are also essential. Open-field cultivation is permitted in southern and central regions. If frosts are possible in the second half of May, greenhouse cultivation is recommended.

Beloserka

The Beloserka pepper variety is classified as a mid-early variety, as the ripening period is only 115 days from the first shoots. The fruits begin ripening green, gradually turning light yellow. When biologically ripe, the peppers acquire a rich red color. Ripening occurs almost simultaneously.

The average bush height is 40-70 cm. The fruits themselves gradually acquire a conical shape and can weigh approximately 80-90 grams each. The wall thickness is 6-7 mm, which is sufficient for long-term storage of the harvested crop and its transportability for sale. The pepper itself is widely used fresh, as well as for winter preservation and even freezing.

Easy to grow, the only requirements are sufficient sunlight and moderate soil moisture. The bushes retain the ability to form fruit even under unfavorable conditions, and are also resistant to Alternaria and Verticillium wilt (fungal diseases that cause brown spots on leaves and fruit), as well as viral diseases.

Important! The Beloserka pepper variety is suitable for growing in open ground, as it requires adequate ventilation and sufficient sunlight.

A prerequisite for growing a good harvest is regular watering with warm water (mandatory) at the roots. To increase disease resistance, it is recommended to soak the seeds in a light pink solution of potassium permanganate for 20-30 minutes before sowing. Pricking out should only occur after at least two full-fledged leaves have formed on the stems. In addition to loosening the soil and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers, it is important to regularly weed the area and hill up the bushes, which helps retain more moisture in the soil.

Anastasia

The popularity of the "Anastasia" pepper variety among experienced gardeners is due not only to its high yield and low maintenance, but also to its sweet, crisp flesh with a fruity flavor. With regular, moderate watering and soil loosening, you can expect to harvest approximately 6-7 kg of pepper per square meter, or 8-12 peppers per plant.

The bushes themselves are quite compact, growing only 60–80 cm. This allows for more economical use of space in open gardens, as well as in greenhouses and hotbeds. The fruits themselves have juicy flesh and a distinctive cherry color, and are widely used in both fresh salads and grilled dishes.

The Anastasia pepper is 15 cm long and weighs approximately 200-230 grams. Its low maintenance requirements include immunity to many common diseases, such as fusarium and blossom-end rot, and the ability to produce fruit even in prolonged drought conditions. This also applies to low temperatures and low light conditions. The growing season lasts approximately 120-130 days. Pollination with sifted wood ash can be used for additional nutrition. If there is a high risk of night frosts, it is recommended to cover the plants with special film tunnels. Well-rotted straw or pine needles, which are readily available at home or in a nearby forest, are suitable for mulching.

Golden Jubilee

The unique feature of the Golden Jubilee pepper variety is its ability to produce golden-yellow fruits with a fragrant, sweet flavor without much effort or skill. The growing season lasts approximately 115-120 days. The fruits are flat-round in shape and weigh approximately 110-180 grams. The plants themselves are quite compact, no taller than 30 cm, making them suitable for growing not only in a garden or greenhouse, but also on a sunny balcony windowsill.

The juicy and crisp flesh boasts a rich flavor. The walls can reach 9-10 mm in thickness. The Golden Jubilee pepper is suitable for fresh consumption, as an ingredient in sauces and salads, and for canning for the winter. With minimal care, you can expect to harvest 3.5-4 kg of golden, aromatic pepper per square meter.

The Zolotoy Yubilei variety's low maintenance is due to its increased resistance to verticillium wilt, which causes brown spots on the fruit and leaves. It's also resistant to spring frosts. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground under a protective plastic cover, but growing the seedlings separately in a warm, sunny location (at least 17-18 degrees Celsius) will produce stronger sprouts and a better harvest.

Important! For growing Golden Jubilee pepper seedlings, we recommend using special peat pots. Before planting, soak the seeds in warm water (at least 20-25 degrees Celsius) for 24 hours.

Plants can be repotted when they are older than 1 to 1.5 months. The following are essential care guidelines:

timely weeding of the area from weeds;
regular moderate watering (at least once a week), preventing stagnation of water in the soil (which prevents the supply of oxygen to the root system);
fertilizing the soil at the stages of sowing seeds, transplanting plants and the beginning of flowering of the bushes themselves (but not more often than once every 3-4 weeks).

To protect against harmful insects, spraying the bushes every 25 to 35 days is recommended. This can be done using chemicals or home remedies. If fungicides are used, it's important to ensure your own safety in advance and carry out the treatment no later than two to three weeks before the planned first harvest. A proven home remedy is a two-day celandine infusion (1 to 1.5 kg of chopped fresh herb per 10 liters of water). The procedure should be repeated after 8 to 12 days.

Bel Goy

The Bel Goy pepper variety is a large-fruited, late-ripening plant. The bushes reach 1.2–1.5 cm in height and can be grown both in greenhouses and outdoors. Experienced gardeners appreciate this variety for its large fruits, weighing approximately 400–600 grams. Furthermore, the plant itself requires little or no special care.

If Bel Goy peppers are grown in healthy soil and in a sheltered area, no protective measures are necessary. Due to the large size of the fruit, a single bush can yield approximately 2.5-4 kg. Mandatory requirements include purchasing high-quality, varietal seeds, using fertilized, non-acidic, loose soil, and regularly watering the plants.

The soil is loosened to prevent crusting and to ensure the root system receives the necessary oxygen. Fertilize the soil at least 3-4 times, with intervals of about 4-5 weeks. The Bel Goy variety also tolerates mild cold snaps.

Red Square

The Red Square pepper variety also has few special care or growing requirements. The plants are quite resilient to prolonged rainfall and cold snaps. They retain the ability to form ovaries and produce their first harvest 95 to 110 days after germination. The fruits are cubic in shape, and average weight is approximately 220 to 300 grams. The wall thickness is 8 to 10 mm, ensuring crispness of the flesh and allowing for long-distance transportation of the harvested crop.

A key advantage of the Red Square variety is its resistance to diseases, particularly fungal and viral infections. This primarily applies to fusarium, blossom-end rot, and verticillium wilt, which cause root and crown rot, as well as damage to the fruit and leaves.

Pepper bushes grow vigorously, reaching heights of up to 60–70 cm. They are resistant to strong winds, but locations with strong, cold drafts are not recommended for growing. This variety is versatile in its uses, as it can be successfully eaten fresh, as well as used in sauces and preserves.

Important! The Red Square pepper variety is quite sensitive to root transplantation, so it's recommended to grow the seedlings in individual small pots. The containers should be illuminated for at least 12 hours, for example, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Two weeks before planting, the seedlings must be hardened by taking them out into the open air (daily for several hours with a constant increase in the time spent in the sun and in the wind).

Ivanhoe

The fruits of the Ivanhoe variety are distinguished by their exceptional sweetness and aroma, and the bushes require only reliable protection from possible frosts and timely watering of the root system. The growing season lasts approximately 110-115 days from the emergence of the first shoots. Ripe fruits are light red and cone-shaped. The wall thickness reaches 6-7 mm.

The high yield allows you to expect 7-8 kg of fruit per square meter. Peppers should be grown from seedlings, sowing 60-65 days before transplanting to a permanent location. Another advantage of the Ivanhoe variety is its early ripening, making it resistant to late blight. To protect against fusarium and verticillium wilt, you can pre-treat the seeds with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Soak the seeds in the solution for 25-30 minutes and then dry.

Important! It is not recommended to grow Ivanhoe next to hot pepper varieties, as incorrect pollination may occur and the sweet taste of the fruit will acquire a bitter aftertaste.

If peppers are grown outdoors, a special plastic cover can protect them from cold snaps. Water the plants at least 1-2 times a week. Timely soil loosening and weed control will help produce bright red peppers weighing 95-140 grams, rich in a variety of beneficial vitamins and nutrients. This makes the pepper recommended for dietary purposes and as a cancer prevention aid. Ivanhoe peppers are successfully consumed fresh and can also be heat-treated for canning.

Funtik

The Funtik pepper variety is characterized by high productivity, with a single plant yielding approximately 12-18 fruits, each weighing an average of 140-180 grams. This early-ripening variety offers the opportunity to harvest the first crop within 120-130 days of germination. The plants reach a height of approximately 55-70 cm. Ripe fruits are a rich red color.

The plant does not require additional protection against verticillium wilt and tobacco mosaic. For a good yield, moderate regular watering (about 1-2 times a week) and 3-4 fertilizing sessions throughout the season (the last one should be done before the first flowers appear on the bushes) are sufficient. No more than 4-5 pepper plants can be planted per square meter.

The variety's low maintenance requirements mean it can be successfully grown both in heated greenhouses or hotbeds, as well as in the open ground. In the latter case, it's recommended to use protective film and cover the area itself against potential spring night frosts.

Important! Experienced gardeners recommend plucking the lower leaves promptly to prevent the tops from touching the ground. This will protect the pepper plants from diseases, resulting in a bountiful harvest.

Czardas

The main characteristic of the Csardas pepper variety is its exquisite color: while the cone-shaped fruits are a bright lemon-yellow at the very beginning of ripening, they turn orange by the end of the growing season. The fruits can be used at any stage of ripening. After harvest, the peppers continue to retain their appearance and flavor for 1.5 to 2 months.

The average fruit weight is approximately 190–230 grams. The wall thickness is 5–6 mm, which preserves the fruit's characteristic crunch and ensures easy transport over long distances. Another important advantage is the compactness of the low bushes (up to 55–60 cm), allowing for more efficient use of the plot. A good harvest is considered to be approximately 12–15 kg of pepper per square meter. A single bush can produce up to 15–17 fruits.

This variety is considered an easy-to-grow plant, as basic watering (at least 1-2 times a week), fertilizing with mineral fertilizers, and loosening the soil are sufficient to achieve the desired harvest. The Czardas variety tolerates short-term drought and strong winds, and is also resilient to sudden cold snaps, making it suitable for both greenhouse and outdoor cultivation.

Ox ear

The Volovye Ukho pepper variety is classified as a mid-season variety. Ripening takes approximately 120-125 days. The bushes grow low but spreading, so seedlings should be planted at least 40-50 cm apart. The fruits are elongated cones (up to 12-16 cm), with an average fruit weighing approximately 180-210 grams.

At technical maturity, the fruits are dark green, and with the onset of biological ripeness, they acquire a rich red color with a glossy sheen. The fruit's flavor remains unchanged, and the flesh is not bitter, even when unripe. The Ox's Ear pepper is used fresh, in salads, and as an ingredient in homemade preserves.

Its low maintenance requirements are due to its strong immunity to viral diseases such as tobacco mosaic and verticillium wilt, which cause green and brown spots on leaves and fruit. The Volovye Ukho variety successfully maintains its ability to set fruit even in adverse weather conditions.

Mandatory requirements include timely weeding, loosening the soil, and watering with warm water (at least once a week). While the bush is growing and developing, watering should be done from above, on the leaves, but once the first flowers and ovaries appear, water should be applied to the roots of the plant. This way, you can expect to yield 2-3.5 kg of fruit per bush.

Important! To successfully grow the Ox Ear variety, select well-lit areas. If greenhouse cultivation is the preferred method, the space itself must be well-ventilated.

Atlas

The popularity of the Atlant variety stems from its high vitamin C content and the ability to harvest the first crop by the end of June. The fruits are juicy, sweet, and have a fleshy, crispy texture. Each fruit weighs approximately 110–170 grams. Biological maturity occurs 130–140 days after the first shoots emerge, and technical ripening occurs as early as 110–115 days. This variety is considered a good yielder, yielding approximately 3–5 kg per square meter after cultivation.

A key unique feature of this variety is its ability to harvest twice, but this requires a bit of haste in growing the seedlings in the spring. The second harvest, however, is just as bountiful as the first.

In terms of pest and disease resistance, the variety is immune to fusarium and verticillium wilt, and is resistant to blossom-end rot. Spraying the bushes is the only protection against harmful insects that might feast on the plant's leaves. In such cases, special fungicides or a two-day garlic infusion can be used, which requires 250 grams of crushed garlic per 10 liters of water. It is important to note that chemical treatments should be carried out no later than 2-3 weeks before the planned harvest.

Among the care recommendations, it's worth noting that the Atlant variety tolerates drought much better than lack of daylight or unexpected frosts. Only warm water (around 28-30 degrees Celsius) should be used for watering. Subsequent watering should only be done once the soil begins to dry out. Fertilizing is required in just two stages: during transplanting and before the first buds form. For the first stage, nitrogen mixtures are suitable, which can be prepared at home by mixing manure with clean, warm water in a ratio of 1 to 12. For the second stage, potassium-phosphorus complexes are more suitable.

The only important requirement is to carefully and timely tie the bushes to additional support. Thin, narrow boards are best for this.

Eroshka

The Eroshka pepper variety is a mid-season, low-growing variety. The growing season lasts approximately 100-105 days from the first shoots appearing. The average height of the plants is approximately 50-60 cm. Their compact size allows for more efficient use of space (8-10 plants per square meter). This is especially true for greenhouse cultivation.

Ripe fruits are a rich red color and weigh approximately 200 grams. The fleshy pulp and thick skin provide a characteristic crunch, making them ideal not only for fresh consumption but also for canning for the winter.

This variety is resistant to the viral diseases tobacco and watermelon mosaic, fusarium wilt (which causes root rot), late blight, and blossom-end rot. Moreover, the bushes retain the ability to set fruit even when temperatures drop significantly. The Eroshka variety is one of the best adapted to extremely variable and unpredictable weather conditions.

The plant's high yield allows for 10 to 16 fruits to be produced per bush. Watering is done as needed. Short-term droughts are much easier to tolerate than stagnant, overwatered conditions, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and root rot.

Lemon miracle

The Lemon Miracle variety also offers the potential to yield a bountiful harvest of bright yellow sweet peppers with minimal care. This early-ripening plant is recommended for cultivation using seedlings, starting with seeds 60-70 days before planting outdoors. If your area experiences frequent and unexpected frosts, even in the second half of May, it's best to grow the Lemon Miracle pepper in a greenhouse.

The average fruit weight is around 110-130 grams. A minimum of 4.5-5.5 kg of ripe and tasty fruit can be harvested from 1 square meter (no more than 3-4 bushes per plot). At maturity, the skin becomes glossy, and the fleshy walls reach a thickness of 6-7 mm. Peppers are used not only fresh or for cooking, but also for canning for the winter.

The variety is fairly resistant to fusarium and verticillium wilt. It is also resistant to blossom-end rot and tobacco mosaic. Essential growing conditions include maintaining moderate soil moisture and fertilizing 3-4 times, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. After the first flowers appear, water the roots, not the leaves.

Important! The Lemon Miracle variety does not tolerate the picking process well, so it is recommended to grow peppers in separate pots or cups, gradually increasing their volume (from 100-200 ml to 500-700 ml).

How to identify an easy-to-grow variety

The ease of care for a pepper variety can be determined from the information provided on the seed packaging. This primarily concerns the appropriate air temperature range and the duration of warm summers if the peppers are grown outdoors. Secondly, it concerns the ability of the plants to maintain fruit set under adverse weather conditions, such as the onset of night frosts, prolonged drought, or, conversely, prolonged heavy rain and wind.

Equally important is information about plant resistance (their resistance to viruses and diseases), as well as necessary care requirements, such as trellis support or additional soil fertilization during the fruit formation and development phase. Many easy-to-grow pepper varieties tolerate drought better, but can die due to stagnant water, which prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, leading to root rot and the death of the entire plant.

Important! To prevent plant diseases, it's crucial to ensure you use high-quality soil, free from fungal infections and pathogens. For this purpose, you can steam the soil with a boiling, bright pink solution of potassium permanganate. Seeds should be sown only after the soil has completely cooled.

Reviews

Irina Andreevna, 59 years old

To minimize the risk of pepper planting diseases, it's recommended to pre-treat the seeds with a light pink solution of potassium permanganate. Soak for 30-40 minutes and then gently dry. Another important step is to normalize soil acidity: for this, you can use sifted wood ash or lime (20-30 kg per 100 square meters). Thorough tillage should be carried out during autumn preparation work. Well-rotted manure can be added to the soil at this time.

Fedor Stepanovich, 68 years old

If peppers are grown in a greenhouse, it's crucial to prevent spider mites from infecting the plants. Spider mites are common in greenhouses, particularly during prolonged dry periods and excessively high temperatures without adequate ventilation. In such cases, it's necessary to resume watering the plants, ensure adequate ventilation in the greenhouse, and spray the plants with a soda solution (200 grams per 8-9 liters of water). Repeat the procedure after 8-12 days. Alternatively, a two-day celandine infusion can be used, using 1-1.5 kg of chopped fresh celandine and 9-10 liters of water.

Veronica Alekseevna, 39 years old

Crop rotation is also important when growing peppers: it's not recommended to plant peppers where tomatoes were previously grown. It's better to choose a spot after legumes or potatoes. The first mandatory fertilization involves autumn soil preparation and fertilization, followed by tillage. This applies to both open fields and greenhouses.