Pepper Hercules (Hercules): characteristics and description of the variety, reviews

The Hercules pepper is one of the most popular varieties bred in Russia. It was developed specifically for temperate climates. The variety's characteristics and descriptions, compiled by gardeners who eagerly share their experiences on microblogs and vegetable-growing websites, include not only detailed descriptions but also photos and reviews.

Those who have planted this variety are generally positive and satisfied with the results. The yield of any variety depends on its adaptability to specific climatic conditions. In this regard, the domestic Heracles possesses all the necessary valuable qualities that have contributed to its widespread popularity. Vegetable growers in the temperate zone can confidently adopt this successful creation of Russian selection.

Gardening enthusiasts and professional vegetable growers alike consider the Hercules pepper one of the best bell pepper varieties, bred for challenging and relatively cold climates. The characteristics and descriptions of this variety, as outlined by experts, suggest relative ease of cultivation and high yields, which even popular foreign varieties can't always match. The photo shows large peppers with striking color and appearance.

Reviews from those who have planted this large, fleshy vegetable indicate that it was hassle-free, yielded an excellent harvest, and delighted them with its flavor. Vegetable seed sellers say it is one of the most sought-after and best-selling bell pepper varieties.

Description of the variety

Hercules is a mid-early variety, ripening in 70-75 days. According to those who have grown this variety, with proper and qualified care, it can yield 1.5-2 kg per bush in open ground and up to 3.5 kg in a greenhouse. Its commercial yield, according to gardeners, ranges from 30-40 to 57 tons per hectare of field crops. The cube-shaped fruits are green (at technical maturity) or deep red (at final ripening) and can reach:

• length up to 12 cm;
• diameter - up to 10.5;
• weight from 180-200 to 220-250 g (under optimal conditions and 300-350 g);
• wall thickness - 5-7 mm (but there are specimens with a wall thickness of up to 1 cm);
• excellent, bright taste of real bell pepper.

Fans of this vegetable crop differ somewhat in their descriptions of the Hercules pepper's flavor. Some believe it has a slight bitterness in the green fruit, which manifests itself in a more intense harmony with the other multifaceted characteristics. Others are confident that it is not at all bland due to its inherent flavor nuances, but lacks the bitterness typical of other bell pepper varieties. A second group of connoisseurs believes that its distinctive flavor is due to the thickness of its flesh, which is simultaneously firm, soft, and juicy.

Reviews from gardening enthusiasts attest to the versatility of Heracles. It can be prepared in any way—baked, boiled, stewed, made into caviar, and used in combination with other foods. Its flavor is especially pronounced in numerous salads. It can also be frozen for the winter, preserved whole as a semi-finished product, preserved in vegetable salads, pickled, and fermented for the winter.

The reddened fruits are typically eaten, as the flavor is more intense at this stage, and the thick walls and juice make a wonderful addition to any salad. Provided the right temperature conditions are met and the skin is intact, it can be kept fresh for quite a long time. The variety has excellent shelf life and is suitable for long-distance transportation. If harvested at technical maturity, the Hercules will last even longer, partially ripening on its way to the store counter.

Pepper bush and care for it

This variety prefers fertile, light soils, where it produces high yields. Difficulties after planting may arise with young plants if the plot was previously planted with pumpkins, greens, cabbage, or legumes. Pepper bushes do not experience any problems with other precursor crops. The bush typically grows compact, no taller than half a meter, with medium-sized dark green leaves. With proper nutrition, it produces a significant number of fruits, so staking is usually necessary. It is recommended to plant it in a 40x60 pattern.

In places where spring is relatively warm, it is planted in open ground, but in the conditions of the middle zone, planting the variety through seedlings is considered optimal.

Sixty to seventy days before the expected planting date, the seeds are grown in a greenhouse, undergoing all necessary treatments. This typically occurs in mid- to late February, but in warmer climates, they can be planted as early as the beginning of the month, maintaining the optimal germination temperature of 26-28°C.

This variety doesn't like either particularly shaded areas or areas with strong sunlight. It's sensitive to drafts and transplanting, and in a greenhouse, its growth may temporarily stop after transplanting small seedlings into individual containers. During this period, a simple growth stimulant can be applied by spraying the plant with a spray bottle. Planting in open ground for further growth outdoors or under plastic is done in May. The need for shelter depends on climate conditions and the course of the spring.

Peppers are usually planted shallowly because, unlike tomatoes, they don't produce rootlets. It's recommended to water the plant twice a day when there's no strong sun and to apply 2-3 fertilizers during the growing season. Complex mineral fertilizers are essential; growth stimulants and other activators are used only in cases of severe problems.

Fact: In the North Caucasus region, when grown in open ground, peppers responded to mineral fertilizers by growing to 75-90 cm, and increased yield to 2.5-3 kg per bush.

Necessary conditions for a wonderful harvest

The Hercules pepper (Hercules), considered a mid-early and productive variety, can not only provide a family with bell peppers for the winter and supplement their summer diet, but can also be grown commercially, bringing in significant profits. To ensure a good harvest, several important conditions must be met:

• timely commencement of planting seeds for seedlings;
• not earlier than transplanting seedlings into open ground (the ground should already have warmed up from the last frost);
• protection of bushes from the night cold in cold climates;
• not dark, but not sunny place with no drafts;
• mandatory 2-3 times feeding with combined mineral fertilizers;
• loosening (or even better – mulching) the soil at the roots of the plant;
• constant and timely watering;
• installation of supports and light tying of the plant;
• removing weeds from the surrounding area.

Hercules is resistant to common pests, but to prevent further proliferation, the bush should be treated with an appropriate pesticide at the first sign of any pest. Fruiting continues vigorously until mid-September, but can extend even further in mild, warm autumns.

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The beneficial properties of bell peppers are widely known. The alkaloid capsatin, which they contain, not only imparts a distinctive flavor to the vegetable but also stimulates gastric secretion and improves appetite. Their rich vitamin and mineral content protects the human body from many pathologies, strengthens joints and blood vessels, and even prevents hair loss. The Hercules variety is suitable for making cosmetic masks because of its thick and juicy flesh.