I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the sweet pepper options available! For next year, I'm on the hunt for a highly productive sweet pepper variety that produces smaller fruit—ideal for snacking. I have a preference for red and orange peppers, and this past season I grew some 3"-5" bell peppers, which I really liked. I'm considering a few varieties: Carmen, King of the North, Lesya, Gypsy, Lipstick, and Jimmy Nardello. I'm buying my seeds from reputable places like Johnny's, Tomato Growers Supply, and Rareseeds/Baker Creek, and I'm gardening in zone 7b. Any recommendations or experiences you can share?
3 Answers
I really like King of the North! It produces well and the flavor is nice. Jimmy Nardello is also good, but it’s not exactly a standard bell pepper. Just be mindful of that if you're aiming for classic bell profiles.
I've grown Lesya peppers and they're awesome, but they aren't exactly small. They're super sweet with thick walls, and I definitely recommend growing a few plants if you can! On the other hand, Lipstick peppers are fantastic—small and sweet like the ones you find in stores, but a bit thicker. They don't match the flavor depth of Lesya, but they mature fast and are great for stuffing (try chicken salad!). Those two are my go-tos, but I usually have around 12 varieties growing. Happy planting!
I had a similar experience with my Pinot Noir plants this year. They started off great but then just plateaued. Fingers crossed that the Lesyas are more consistent!
You might enjoy King Arthur as well; I've had great success with them. They’re flavorful and productive, plus they fit nicely into many dishes!
Thanks for the tips! Lipstick and Lesya seem like a solid combo. Quick question: Are Lesya plants productive? I hope they’re not just a few peppers each, because I have space for 6 in my garden and can squeeze in a couple more in bags.