Pepper varieties for growing in open ground in Siberia and the Moscow region

Pepper

Ease of cultivation and high yield of plants are far from the only criteria for choosing new pepper seeds for future seedlings.

One of the main requirements is a suitable temperature regime for the growth of bushes and the formation of ovaries, as well as the possibility of growing in open ground under unpredictable and often changeable climate conditions.

What are the differences between the varieties?

One of the main requirements when choosing suitable pepper seeds is whether they can be grown outdoors, in a greenhouse, or on a balcony windowsill in a multi-story building. In this case, the compactness and maximum height of the plants, as well as the need for support, are essential. For example, varieties no taller than 30–40 cm can be used for windowsill planting.

But there are a number of other, no less important, differences:

Variety or hybrid. This criterion is essential for those who want to use their own seeds for new seedlings next year. Hybrids (the tomato name is always marked "F1" on the packaging) are not suitable for this purpose, and new packages must be purchased each year. This is because the resulting seeds do not tend to inherit the varietal characteristics of the plant itself. New tomatoes can grow completely different not only in color and shape, but also in taste. However, hybrids have significant advantages, primarily increased yields and immunity to many diseases.
Ripening period. The best solution is to use different pepper varieties with different ripening periods. This trick will allow you to use fresh peppers for a long time in cooking, and then use some for canning for the winter. It's crucial to consider the climate in which the peppers will be grown. For example, late-ripening varieties in regions with cold climates and prolonged frosts can only be grown in well-maintained and heated greenhouses. If the area is characterized by short summers and early autumn cold snaps, only early-ripening varieties can be grown outdoors.

Important! The following parameters can be used as a guide: the growing season (from the moment the first shoots appear until the fruits ripen) for early-ripening peppers lasts about 80–95 days, for mid-season and hybrid peppers – from 115 to 130 days, and for late-ripening ones it is about 135–140 days.

Shape and size. This criterion is important for gardeners who want to use peppers as decorative ornaments in their gardens or for stuffing. For the latter, thick-walled, oval or spherical peppers of medium size (about 5-6 cm in length) are ideal. Among the seed varieties, you can also choose a conical or cylindrical pepper. Peppers can also be cubic, elongated (up to 19-22 cm), spherical, or oval.
Color. Thanks to their wide range of colors, peppers serve not only as a flavor enhancer but also as a decorative addition to fresh salads, hot dishes, and even canned goods for the winter. Most ripe peppers have a rich red, yellow, or green hue. Among the more vibrant and unusual varieties, rich pink and orange are worth noting. Some fruits tend to have a purple hue during the technical ripening phase, which gradually turns red. This is especially true for hybrids.
Growing conditions. Important requirements for growing peppers include protection from sudden cold snaps and timely watering with warm water (at least 25-28 degrees Celsius). Seed packages always indicate whether a particular variety can be grown outdoors, in a greenhouse, or in hotbeds. Particular attention should be paid to the permissible temperature fluctuations. Varieties can often be grown in open ground, but temporary plastic covers are used to protect the plants from possible night frosts.

Experienced gardeners also pay attention to the height of the bushes, which can range from 30-35 cm to 150-180 cm. Bush training requirements are equally important, including removing lower foliage and pinching out side shoots. If peppers are grown for sale, gardeners should be concerned about the shelf life of the fruit and how well it maintains its original characteristics after long transportation. In any case, it's essential to consider the plant's resistance to various diseases. This will allow for more appropriate soil cultivation and effective preventative measures in advance.

Rules for growing peppers

Each pepper variety has its own characteristics and growing requirements. Some varieties tolerate drought better than standing water, while others are more tolerant of cold snaps but can be damaged by drafts. However, gardeners have a set of universal rules for caring for pepper plants, following which will ensure a good harvest without any additional effort. These primarily concern:

compliance with the timing of sowing seeds (usually the first or second ten days of February for warm regions and the first half of May for areas with a cold climate);
germinating seeds before sowing them in the soil (this is done by placing them between two cotton pads generously sprayed with water, which allows you to see the first shoots already on the 3rd - 5th day);
planting seeds in separate opaque containers, which eliminates the need to transplant plants;
there is no need to bury the seeds in the soil (no more than 2 mm);
The necessary picking can be carried out by transshipment, placing the seeds in separate peat tablets or paper cups, along with which the plant is transferred to a larger container, preserving the integrity of the entire formed root system;
timely watering (there should be no stagnant water in the soil, but drying out the soil can significantly reduce the yield of the bushes being grown);
using warm water during irrigation (about 28 – 30 degrees Celsius);
choosing a place for growing, which should be well lit by sunlight, have fertile, non-acidic soil and be free of drafts;
maintaining a suitable temperature regime, since pepper is a very heat-loving crop and the optimal air temperature is about 24 - 26 degrees Celsius;
timely fertilizing and mulching (covering the root system with light-impermeable material in order to retain moisture in the soil, preventing its evaporation);
mandatory weeding and loosening of the soil after watering to ensure sufficient oxygen access.

If the bushes are tall, the lower leaves should be removed to prevent the tops from touching the ground. As September approaches, only the formed ovaries and ripening fruits should be left on the bushes. Emerging flowers should be removed to ensure the final harvest has the strength to ripen in time.

Varieties of bell peppers

Based on the available conditions, you can always select the most suitable pepper variety and try growing it, both for food purposes and with the possibility of further sale.

Big Mama

The Big Mama pepper variety is an early-ripening plant characterized by high yields. The first ripe fruits can be expected as early as 125–130 days after the first seedlings emerge. This variety is suitable for growing outdoors as well as in greenhouses. The average height of the plants is 50–70 cm.

The Big Mama variety is popular due to its balanced sweet flavor and juicy fruit. The pepper itself is rectangular in shape and weighs approximately 200 g on average. Its walls are approximately 6–8 mm thick, providing the desired crunch. Its vibrant orange color allows it to be used as both a flavoring and decorative ingredient in dishes. It is also great fresh, stuffed, stewed, and canned for winter.

Among the growing recommendations, it's important to adhere to crop rotation principles: peppers can be planted in soil previously occupied by cucumbers, cabbage, or legumes. It's not recommended to use soil previously occupied by tomatoes or other nightshade crops. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location when they are at least 70 to 80 days old. When doing so, maintain a distance of approximately 40 to 60 cm between the holes.

An important requirement for planting outdoors is the end of spring night frosts and the soil warming to 16-18 degrees Celsius. This typically occurs in late May or early June. Because the bushes are quite tall and bear large fruit, they require careful staking to additional support. Trellising is best. Harvesting typically begins in August and continues until mid-September.

Bogatyr

The Bogatyr pepper variety is popular among experienced gardeners due to its ability to yield a juicy, delicious harvest of fruit while adhering to minimal growing and care requirements. These plants are truly easy to grow and retain their ability to produce fruit even in adverse weather conditions.

The only significant drawback of this variety is its vulnerability to diseases, particularly aphids. However, the bushes are resistant to verticillium wilt, blossom-end rot, and tobacco mosaic. Crop rotation is a reliable preventative for Alternaria and Septoria leaf spot: replanting peppers in the same plot should be done no sooner than every 3-4 years. To prevent blackleg from infecting the root system, soak the seeds in a light pink solution of potassium permanganate for 20-30 minutes before sowing.

This variety is classified as a mid-season variety, with ripe fruit having a wall thickness of approximately 6–8 mm and an average weight of 180–210 grams. The bush can reach a height of 30–50 cm. The plant thrives even in low-light conditions. This variety is suitable for commercial cultivation, as it easily withstands long transportation and yields approximately 8–9 kg per square meter.

To ensure a good harvest, pre-treat the seeds with a special 5% saline solution, soaking them for 20-30 minutes. If any seeds float to the surface during this soaking, discard them, as they are unsuitable for planting and will not sprout. Plants can be transplanted once they have 3-4 fully developed leaves.

Important! After transplanting, the plants should be kept in a room with a temperature of around 22–25°C for at least a few days. If the temperature drops below 15°C, the plants may die.

Martin

The characteristic ability to form ovaries under adverse weather conditions is one of the main advantages of the Lastochka pepper variety, making the plants suitable for growing in regions with changeable and highly unpredictable climates.

The plant's fruits are large, sweet, and fleshy. High yields allow for a harvest of approximately 5-6 kg per square meter, with each fruit weighing 70-90 grams. The peppers are cone-shaped, and the bushes themselves can reach 55-60 cm in height. The growing season lasts approximately 116-120 days. To obtain aromatic, ripe fruits, sowing seedlings should be planned for late February. Containers containing soil and seeds should be covered with transparent glass or protective film. As soon as the first shoots appear, the cover is completely removed.

Excessive moisture, as well as prolonged drought, can cause the death of developing seedlings. To prevent weakening of the root system due to the necessary transplanting (which is carried out in early April), seeds can be planted in separate small containers with opaque walls.

If you plan to plant peppers outdoors, harden them off in the fresh air and direct sunlight for two weeks before planting. Open balconies are ideal for this, and then bring the plants back indoors at night.

To ensure the seedlings are strong enough, they are fed with potassium fertilizers. This increases the bushes' resistance to disease, thus guaranteeing a good harvest.

Atlas

The Atlant pepper variety is suitable for growing in conditions of unexpected cold snaps and frequent weather fluctuations, as it germinates and ripens quickly, and the first fruits are ready for harvesting by the end of June. The pepper itself is characterized by its large size, juicy, crisp flesh, and sweet flavor. The plant's biological maturity is indicated by its deep red color.

The average weight of the Atlant pepper is approximately 100-170 grams. Technical maturity occurs 110-115 days after the first shoots emerge, and biological maturity occurs after 130-140 days. With minimal care, you can expect a yield of 4-7 kg per square meter. However, if you start growing seedlings a little earlier, you can harvest two full crops in a single season.

Special peat pots with a diameter of at least 10 cm are best for growing Atlant pepper seedlings. When planting in permanent soil, the plant is placed in these pots, completely eliminating any potential damage to the root system during transplanting. The optimal soil composition for growing the plants includes equal parts garden soil, compost, and sawdust. The latter component can be replaced with coarse river sand, which ensures loose soil and adequate oxygen supply to the roots.

Seeds should be planted no deeper than 1 cm, and established seedlings can be transplanted at 40–50 days of age. A crucial step in early care is to harden the seedlings for two weeks by placing them outdoors. This process initially lasts a few hours, but then gradually increases to a full day. At night, the seedlings are always placed in a warm room.

Beloserka

The Beloserka pepper variety is suitable for growing outdoors. The first harvest can be expected within 135-145 days from germination. The characteristic compactness of the bushes and their low height (approximately 70 cm) allows for more efficient use of garden space and the use of plastic cover during unexpected cold snaps at night.

The peppers are cone-shaped with a pointed tip. The average weight of a pepper is approximately 90-140 grams. The smooth surface changes color from light green to deep red as it ripens. A single square meter of plot can yield up to 8-10 kg of fruit. The variety's main advantage is its high vitamin C content.

To ensure good growth and development, seedlings should be planted at a distance of 50–55 cm. Among the important advantages of the Beloserka variety is its immunity to verticillium wilt, blossom-end rot, and Alternaria. The bushes are also resistant to most viral infections.

Important! It is recommended to water peppers with warm water using a sprinkler (so that the water reaches the leaves) before flowering. Once flowers begin to appear, water in the direction of the roots. The optimal watering frequency is at least twice a day for 7-10 days.

Big Papa

The Big Papa variety's main characteristic is its striking purple color, which turns dark cherry upon reaching full biological maturity. These early-ripening plants have a growing season of only 96 to 104 days. They can be grown both outdoors and under protective plastic cover.

The bushes are quite short and compact. Six to seven plants can be planted per square meter. This allows for a harvest of up to 6.9 to 7.5 kg per plot. Each fruit weighs 90 to 120 grams. Despite its unusual color, the pepper is readily consumed fresh and is also suitable for canning. Its balanced, sweet flavor lacks bitterness, a feature highly prized by both gardeners and cooks.

This variety is quite resistant to diseases such as verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and aphid infestations. However, it does not tolerate transplanting very well. Therefore, it is recommended to grow seedlings in separate small containers and then transplant them into opaque cups holding 300–500 ml.

Because Big Papa peppers tolerate temperature fluctuations fairly well, they can be grown outdoors in regions with variable climates. If spring frosts are expected, the plants should be covered with protective film. This variety tolerates short periods of drought, but stagnant water and cold drafts are extremely dangerous.

California Miracle

The ability to grow California Wonder peppers outdoors in a variable climate and expect high yields makes this variety popular among experienced gardeners. Another important advantage of this variety is its large, fleshy fruits with a distinctive sweet flavor.

The bushes can reach a height of 50–70 cm, and the growing season lasts approximately 120–130 days from the emergence of the first shoots. The cube-shaped ripe fruits weigh approximately 90–180 grams. As they develop, the rich green color gradually changes to a vibrant red. The fruits are versatile in use, suitable for fresh consumption, stuffing, stewing, and canning for the winter.

To achieve a good harvest, choose the seedling method. Seeds are sown in late February, and planting is allowed after the end of spring night frosts. To protect the young plants from temperature fluctuations, they are covered with plastic film.

Important! When working with California Wonder pepper seeds, preparation before planting is crucial. This involves soaking the seeds in hot water (around 45-50 degrees Celsius) to swell them. After this, the seeds are transferred to a damp cheesecloth and covered with more cheesecloth. This way, the seeds can be stored for another 2-3 days before sowing. Typically, treated seeds begin to sprout within 2-4 days.

The California Miracle variety is resistant to fusarium and verticillium wilt. Pre-treatment of the seeds with a weak solution of potassium permanganate will increase the bushes' resistance to tobacco mosaic and blossom-end rot.

Orange miracle

The Orange Miracle sweet pepper is a hybrid. This means you can expect a balanced, sweet flavor, large, vibrant orange fruits, and a good yield from planted seedlings.

The Orange Miracle pepper is an early-ripening plant, and the first ripe fruits can be harvested as early as 110-120 days after germination. The bushes reach 80-100 cm in height, and the cube-shaped fruits can weigh up to 200-250 grams. Thus, a yield of over 12-15 kg can be harvested from one square meter of plot, a value highly prized by gardeners growing peppers for sale. Ripe fruits are suitable for fresh consumption and can also be preserved for the winter.

A key advantage of the Orange Miracle pepper is its resistance to temperature fluctuations and most fungal and microbial diseases. This requires gardeners to maintain a regular watering schedule and regularly loosen the soil with mineral fertilizers.

One important aspect of growing them is the painful reaction of the root system to transplantation, which is common for most nightshade plants. To protect the seedlings, it is recommended to plant the seeds directly into separate small containers filled with soil. As the stems grow, carefully transplant them into a larger container, making sure to transfer the entire handful of soil and root system. Another important point is to water only with warm water (at least 30 degrees Celsius).

If peppers are grown in closed greenhouses, it's highly undesirable to allow the air to become too dry. Two weeks before planting outdoors, the seedlings should be hardened off daily by placing them outside for at least 3-4 hours. The Orange Miracle pepper is very sensitive to fertilizer, so it needs to be fertilized at least 3-4 times: when transplanting the seedlings to their permanent soil, 12-17 days after planting, and before flowering.

Gogoshary

Resilient to unpredictable weather conditions, the Gogoshary pepper variety produces tomato-shaped, round, slightly flattened fruits of a dark red color. The bushes grow to a height of approximately 50 cm, and the fruits can weigh between 80 and 145 grams.

The Gogoshary variety is perfect for those who enjoy a slightly bitter pepper flavor with a hint of heat. Although it's resilient to cold snaps, a good pepper harvest can be achieved if temperatures don't drop below 18-22°C (64-72°F). For growing seedlings, choose a room with a temperature of around 25-27°C (77-80°F). The soil should be moderately moist, and the plants themselves require adequate ventilation. In addition to the mandatory transplanting, this variety is quite sensitive to relocation and the removal of side shoots.

Important! The Gogoshary variety does not tolerate fertilizing well, as it can cause burns to the young fruit. Therefore, it is not recommended at all (consider fertilizing the soil before sowing the seeds).

Gladiator

The vibrant yellow color of ripe Gladiator peppers is complemented by the presence of many beneficial micronutrients, pectin, and vitamin C, making them ideal for dietary use and for preparing baby food. Gladiator peppers are also suitable for those allergic to red vegetables.

The variety itself is classified as a mid-season plant, and the first harvest can be harvested within 110-120 days from the emergence of the first shoots. The average height of the plants is approximately 50-55 cm, which is important for economical use of greenhouse space. In temperate regions with unpredictable climates, peppers can be grown outdoors, but should always be protected with film in case cold spring nights return.

The fruits are quite large, weighing approximately 300–380 grams. The fleshy, crisp walls are approximately 13 mm thick. The pepper's flavor is balanced and sweet, without any bitterness, which is crucial for children's nutrition. The variety's popularity is also due to its versatility, as it is suitable for both fresh consumption and winter preservation.

The variety is quite undemanding and disease-resistant, so the only mandatory requirements are timely watering and weeding, as well as loosening the soil and fertilizing it three to four times throughout the season. If these basic guidelines are followed, the bushes' fruiting period will extend for several months, from the second half of July until the first ten days of October.

A gift from Moldova

The Podarok Moldovy pepper variety is also suitable for successful cultivation in moderately warm climates. It's a mid-season variety, and the first harvest can be expected as early as 125-135 days after the first seedlings emerge. The plants grow to a height of only 45-55 cm, which is important to consider when preparing a protective plastic cover.

The peppers are medium-sized and weigh approximately 80–100 grams. The deep red color and fleshy skin maintain a crisp, balanced, sweet flavor. The peppers are quite versatile, as they can be eaten fresh, stuffed, or preserved for winter.

An important point concerns the need to pre-treat the seeds with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 20-30 minutes. This will strengthen the plants' immunity and protect them from late blight. As for rot, fusarium, and spotting, they primarily appear during prolonged rainfall and extreme temperature fluctuations. For protection, you can use a soda solution (250 g per 10 liters of water) or a two-day celandine infusion (1-1.5 kg of freshly chopped celandine per 10 liters of water). The first such treatment should be carried out no earlier than two weeks after planting the bushes. The treatment must be repeated after another 12-15 days.

If fungicides are used for pest control, all spraying should be done no later than two weeks before the planned harvest. Well-rotted compost or manure can be used for autumn soil fertilization, while only mineral fertilizers are suitable for feeding newly planted seedlings. Another important consideration is timely soil loosening to ensure adequate oxygenation of the root system. If temperatures are too high near the bushes, mulch the roots with materials that block sunlight. This will prevent the soil from losing moisture through evaporation.

What varieties and types of peppers should be planted in 2018?

When choosing seeds for growing seedlings this year, you should base your selection on your own needs, as well as the intended use of the resulting harvest. While most of the selected varieties should be well-known and proven, you can always allocate some time to studying new varieties and their characteristics.

Among proven, high-yielding varieties, it's worth considering the Bogatyr and Hercules pepper varieties, and the Gemini F1 hybrid. While the former boasts a medium ripening time and produces nearly uniform, delicious fruits, Hercules boasts a cuboid shape and guaranteed resistance to unpredictable weather conditions. The hybrid variety is chosen for its ability to produce large, sweet fruits with good shelf life and long-distance transportation, which is crucial when growing peppers for commercial purposes.

If you're looking to try something new, consider purchasing seeds of varieties such as Atlant, Yazychok Teshchi, and the hybrids Santia and Patricia. The first two are characterized by thick, fleshy walls and early ripening. The hybrids are worth considering due to their increased yield and good resistance to various fungal infections and microbes.

Among early-ripening varieties, it's also worth exploring pepper hybrids called Apollo, Kakadu, and Shuttle. If you plan to grow the plants outdoors, ensure reliable film protection is provided in advance. The Kupets variety produces abundant fruit, producing fairly large peppers. The fruit weighs approximately 130-150 grams.

For gardeners who prefer an early harvest with a long fruiting period, the Samander variety is worth considering. It boasts a classic fruit shape and can be harvested until late autumn.

Reviews

Vladislav Andreevich, 39 years old

When choosing suitable pepper varieties, it's also important to consider the possibility of direct sowing into the ground using a protective film tunnel. This technique will help the seedlings establish themselves more quickly and prevent loss of yield due to root transplantation or changes in soil composition. When growing peppers in greenhouses, one of the most dangerous diseases is spider mites, which occur in dry climates and poor watering. In such cases, it's important to spray the plants with a two-day garlic infusion (250-300 g of crushed garlic per 10 liters of water), and ensure the room is well ventilated and a regular irrigation regime is established.

Elena Viktorovna, 38 years old

The Gogoshary pepper variety has a slightly bitter taste, which should be taken into account when choosing new seeds for seedlings. To thoroughly treat the soil before sowing, you can use a boiling, bright pink solution of potassium permanganate. Pour the solution into a container with the soil, then cover the entire container with a thick film. This trick will increase the effectiveness of the steaming process in killing dangerous fungi and microbes. Purchased seeds should only be planted in completely cooled soil.

Ksenia Vladimirovna, 47 years old

For additional protection, pepper plants can be protected by adding onion or garlic peels to the replanting hole. When fertilizing with mineral complexes, it is recommended to choose soluble fertilizers and dilute them with warm water immediately before watering. Water should be directed directly at the root system, not the stems and leaves. Fertilizer should be applied no more than once every 3-4 weeks. Avoid using fresh manure or unrotted compost, as these will direct all the energy and nutrients toward plant growth rather than fruit formation.