Sweet Banana; Banana Pepper

Banana peppers have medium-thick walls are are great for toppings. Ensure night temperatures are warm enough before planting outside as too much cold could stunt growth.

PLANT TO HARVEST

70 days

FRUIT SIZE

4″

Full Sun: 6+ Hours Per Day

TOP CULINARY USES:

Toppings

3 Steps to Planting!

1

Gently place plant insider and pack soil with a small mound.

2

Place tablespoon of herb/veg fertilizer.

3

Gently place plant insider and pack soil with a small mound.

What must I do for Success?

All the Details

Difficulty

Timing

Starting

Days to Maturity

Growing
Soil should have abundant phosphorus and calcium, so add lime and compost to the bed at least three weeks prior to transplanting. Mix ½ cup of balanced organic fertilizer beneath each plant. Though peppers will tolerate dry soil, they will only put on good growth if kept moist. Harden off before planting out 30-60cm (12-24″) apart. Five gallon containers also work well, but require good drainage and regular irrigation. Using plastic mulch with a cloche can increase the temperature by a few degrees. Pinch back growing tips to encourage leaf production. This helps shade the developing fruits and prevents sun-scald in hot summers.

Harvest
Fruit can be picked once it is firm and has reached desired size, however, sweetness can increase dramatically as the fruit ripens. If you pick the peppers when they are still young/green, the plant will keep producing more fruit. Fruit that sets after late August will not usually develop or ripen. Pull out the entire bush just before the first frost and hang it upside down in a warm, dry place to ripen hot peppers.