Pepper Biquinho Red - organic seeds

Orange Ariane Pepper – Juicy and Aromatic

This pepper variety produces firm, square fruits with an intense and aromatic flavor. When fully ripe, they develop a beautiful orange color.

Tips for Growing Orange Ariane Pepper

Sowing the Pepper

Sow indoors in February or March at a constant temperature of at least 23-24°C.

Ensure a warm, humid environment with sufficient light and regular watering. Some pepper varieties require more heat to germinate. If seeds do not sprout, increase the temperature slightly, possibly above 25°C.

Transplant young seedlings into pots once they have 3-4 true leaves. After the last frost, plant them outdoors in a sheltered location. Like tomatoes, bury the stem up to the first leaf to encourage strong root development.

In northern regions, such as above the Loire, greenhouse cultivation is ideal. However, they can also be grown outdoors if the summer is warm and not too humid. Choose a sunny, well-ventilated spot, such as against a wall.

Growing the Pepper

Ensure well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Improve soil fertility by adding compost or well-rotted manure.

Keep the soil evenly moist with regular watering. Avoid prolonged drought, as it can negatively impact growth and fruit quality.

In cooler regions, pruning the main stem when the plant bears around ten fruits can help concentrate energy on the existing ones. Also, pinch side branches with fruits back to two leaves after the last fruit.

Some pepper plants can grow quite tall and may need support.

Feed the plants during the growing season with organic fertilizers or foliar sprays such as diluted nettle manure (e.g., PurMel 3).

Pepper Diseases

Powdery mildew is one of the main threats to pepper plants.

To prevent it, follow these measures:

• Practice crop rotation to maintain healthy, fertile soil.
• Avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
• Provide enough space between plants for good air circulation.
• Spray regularly with nettle manure or horsetail decoction to strengthen resistance against fungal diseases.
• Optionally, use seaweed powders as a preventive treatment.

Harvesting the Pepper

The harvest period runs from July to October, about 5-6 months after sowing. Green peppers can be picked during growth but are fully ripe when they stop increasing in size. Orange and red peppers are at their best when fully colored.