Description and characteristics of the Cardinal pepper

Many Russian gardeners prefer to grow sweet peppers. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, new varieties are developed every year. The Cardinal pepper, distinguished by its high yield and disease resistance, is deservedly popular.

General characteristics of the variety

Cardinal is an early-ripening variety. The plant reaches 1 m in height. Its distinctive feature is the large, purple, cube-shaped fruits, each weighing approximately 250 g.

If you strictly follow the recommendations regarding growing technology, from 1 m² You can harvest up to 14 kg. The peppers reach technical maturity in 80-90 days.

This variety is grown in many regions of Russia. In particular, it has become a favorite among gardeners living in the Moscow region and Siberia. The Cardinal's widespread popularity further demonstrates its many advantages over other pepper varieties.

Features of cultivation

Vegetable crops are grown in two ways: with or without seedlings. The first method is used to harvest peppers. Since the Cardinal plant's growing season lasts 200 days, the seedlings are sown in February (in the second half).

The following conditions must be met:

1. It is better to fill the boxes with prepared substrate.
2. The depth of the holes for seeds is a maximum of 2 cm.
3. The seeds germinate well at 28 degrees Celsius. When the first shoots appear, the temperature is lowered to 20 degrees Celsius.
4. The plant cannot thrive without light. Therefore, ensure it receives 14 hours of light per day. Fluorescent lamps can be installed if necessary.
5. After 20 days, the peppers are planted in different containers, and the weak specimens are discarded.

Planting seedlings on the site

The crop will thrive and produce a superb harvest if the site is chosen correctly. Peppers grow best in areas previously occupied by:

• cabbage;
• cucumbers;
• pumpkin;
• zucchini;
• carrots;
• onions.

Please note: this variety will not grow normally after tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes and other varieties of pepper.

Cardinal peppers thrive in sandy or sandy loam soil. It will need to be disinfected first using a special solution: 20 g of copper sulfate dissolved in a bucket of water. This procedure is performed five days before planting.

The ideal time for planting is the last days of May. The area designated for planting must be dug and fertilized. The holes should also be no more than 2 cm deep.

Rules for proper care

It is impossible to get a rich harvest of pepper without caring for the plant, which requires following certain rules:

1. Cardinal will thrive at temperatures of 20-25°C. At temperatures below 13°C, the plant should be covered.
2. Peppers are watered once a week before flowering, twice during hot weather, and three times during flowering and fruit formation. Use rainwater or settled water for watering.
3. Fertilizing during flowering is done with a special mixture. This requires herbs (dandelion, plantain, nettle, coltsfoot, chickweed), mixed with manure (10 l) and ash (200 g).
4. It is important to remove weeds and loosen the soil in a timely manner.
5. To prevent the bushes from breaking due to the weight of the fruit, they must be tied up.
6. Cardinal does not tolerate drafts well, so it is advisable to plant the areas around it with tall plants.
7. Although the variety is self-pollinating, additional pollination is required for a good harvest. Without it, the fruit may be deformed.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The Cardinal's popularity is due to a number of advantages. It possesses:

• high yield rates;
• excellent taste;
• resistance to many diseases.

It should be noted that Cardinal is suitable for consumption both fresh and canned.

Darkening of vegetables during canning is considered their main drawback.

Tips for storing food in winter

To ensure the harvest lasts as long as possible, it should be stored in a pantry, cellar, or refrigerator. Storage humidity should be kept at a maximum of 90%. The produce should be checked periodically for rotten fruit, which should be discarded.

Other options:

• drying;
• freezing;
• canning.

When frozen, peppers retain virtually all their flavor and can be stored in the freezer throughout the winter.

Gardeners' reviews

On various forums dedicated to growing crops, Cardinal peppers often receive positive reviews. Many note the vegetable's pleasant flavor. Housewives enjoy adding them to salads or baking them whole in the oven.

The variety is attractive for its large, thick-walled fruits. Gardeners also appreciate the plant's rapid growth and excellent yield.

Cardinal is a relatively easy-to-grow variety. However, to achieve the desired results, it requires proper care and professional advice.