Big Mama Pepper: Characteristics with Photos and Reviews

The Big Mama pepper is one of the most popular varieties not only among all groups, but also within its own family. It has a bright orange color, is characterized by early maturity, high yield, and, most importantly, excellent taste.

Description and characteristics

The average pepper fruit weighs 200 grams. It is rectangular, smooth-surfaced, and has flesh ranging from 5 mm to 8 mm thick. Like many of its relatives, it is green when ripe. It has excellent flavor. The bush grows from 50 to 70 cm outdoors, and can reach up to a meter in plastic containers. It is commonly used in standard culinary recipes: for preserves, canning, and, of course, for fresh consumption.

Features of cultivation

The "Big Mama" pepper is suitable for growing in any climate, including both open ground and greenhouses. Since this variety ripens quite early, seeds for seedlings should be sown early—in early spring.

Preparing soil and seeds

The seeds should be prepared for planting beforehand. First, they need to be disinfected. Simply soak the seeds for 10-15 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Second, soaking them in aloe vera juice can increase the viability of the seedlings. Since this variety doesn't have a 100% germination rate, gardening experts recommend this treatment. This will increase the number of seedlings and, consequently, a bountiful harvest.

Sowing scheme

Seedlings should be transplanted when they reach 60 to 80 days of age. Depending on the region, the approximate time for planting is late spring to early summer if grown outdoors. The recommended and most popular spacing is 50 x 35 cm.

Caring for seedlings

As the young seedlings grow, they will need additional feeding. In the early stages, a complete fertilizer will be sufficient for the Big Mama pepper. Later, when the fruits reach their full size, the soil should be treated with nutrients. Both ready-made fertilizers and natural organic fertilizers are suitable.

Remember, if sowing was done within the permitted but later timeframe, the seedlings must be provided with a full twelve-hour daylight by the 20th day. If climate conditions do not allow this, it is strongly recommended to purchase and install a special lamp. Once grown, daylight will be sufficient for the seedlings.

In addition to feeding, seedlings need additional support - they will need to be tied up.

Reviews of the variety

I definitely have nothing bad to say about this variety. It grows delicious, sweet, and juicy. What else does a pepper need? It's practically unpretentious in cultivation. It's important to carefully prepare the seeds before planting, as the yield isn't the best. But again, with proper preparation, everything will turn out just fine. And, ultimately, everything comes with experience.

My wife and I planted these according to the instructions and received orange peppers around the end of July. The taste was also excellent; they were truly excellent: as described—juicy and ripe. We've been using this variety for a couple of years now, but we don't forget about others either. We love to add variety to our diet, so to speak. This big mama will undoubtedly become a favorite among both novice gardeners and experienced agronomists. A truly worthy variety.